BEHAVIOR
Day or night, Orthomeria can be found either high on trees, or even at ground level amongst leaf litter, although rather occasionally. The resting pose is typically with the head oriented upwards.
In sharp contrast to many other phasmids, Orthomeria are fast moving and run in all directions when disturbed, prompting some people to comment that these are the cockroaches of the stick insect world. When grabbed, they may eject a defensive spray that actually smells somewhat like mint. While the ejecta may smell somewhat pleasant to humans, I am certain that such will not be the case to smaller animals. I have read and heard accounts that the defensive sprays are irritating to human eyes, but would not be keen on experiencing it for obvious reasons, but also because common sense dictates that anything that gets into human eyes is bound to be irritating anyway.
Such is the potency of Orthomeria sprays that reports of evaporating liquid is enough to cause a reaction to the eyes. However, I have yet to encounter an O. pandora that resorts to this kind of defensive behavior, and specimens when held are more apt to try and wrest free from the offending hand than anything else. Males will attempt to make short flights to get away from perceived threats.
I have been fortunate enough to have such phasmids inhabit my area, sometimes even seeing a few inside my property which is always a treat.