I agree with Specs above. This is an alarming thread title which is not warranted. yes some stick insects emit a noxious spray as a deterrent which can have any of the following symptoms. Strong odor, irritation to skin, coughing and sneezing due to irritation to nose and throat, and on the rare occasion temporary blindness if it gets into the eyes.
There are no recorded cases of a human being dying from the effects of them being sprayed by any Phasmid.
I have kept the following 2 species of phasmid that emit a defensive spray.
Anisomorpha paromalus
The defensive chemical spay produced from the glands behind the back of the neck are highly irritating to both the eyes and bronchial system, they will spray quite readily.
Temporary blindness is possible if direct contact with eyes happens. Mine never sprayed me directly whilst handling them but they will readily spray.
Sipyloidea sipylus
Emits a defensive spray that has a musty smell to it.
I don't think this thread needs to be stickied if these insects are being sold they are usually stated as sprayers. Choosing a reputable seller will ensure that these are avoided if you do not wish to keep phasmid that have a defensive spray.
Here are a few sites that I would recommend if anyone wishes to buy stick insects:-
Janice and Graham from Metamorphosis
Virginia Cheeseman
Small Life Supplies
Could we have this thread unstickied they are not
TOXIC as stated above, they have a defensive spray that can cause various symptoms as described above but are not
TOXIC. No one has died from contact with any Phasmid and this thread does nothing more than instill fear of Phasmid into people who do not do their homework. Dogs are more dangerous than Phasmid, I'd even go as far to say that more people have been injured by their tortoises than by any Phasmid.
OK, rant over, Phasmid are our phriends not our phoes.
Check out the link in my signature to see some of the Phasmids I have kept.