The scientific name for walking sticks is Diapheromera Femorata

The scientific name for walking stick insect is Phasmatodea.

Yes, stick insects are common in eastern Ontario. The only variety we have in Ontario is the "Walking Stick" (Diapheromera femorata).

A good basic insect book to learn more about insects of Ontario is Bugs of Ontario by J. Acorn.

Samuel Alexander Graham has written:

'The walking stick as a forest defoliator' -- subject(s): Trees, Insects, Diapheromera femorata, Diseases and pests

'Forest entomology' -- subject(s): Forest insects

'Causes of hemlock mortality in northern Michigan' -- subject(s): Diseases and pests, Hemlock, Melanophila fulvoguttata, Forests and forestry

It protects one or both species. It's a variety of camouflage.

It has the advantage that the species that mimics other poisonous or bad-tasting does not need to waste energy at developing and maintaining a venomous defence. It all comes down to maximal fitness in the end.

If one unharmful species can survive and reproduce by mimicing another one's colours without wasting the energy otherwise needed to maintain a venom etc, then that's a double win for the species.

Usually it's often bright coulors that stands in contrast of one another, like black/yellow, red/black etc.