Leaf insects

What is a leaf insect?

A leaf insect is a phasmid of the family Phylliidae whose flat, broadened body mimics a leaf: it has veins, irregular edges and even marks that look like bites. It is herbivorous, calm and silent. The most curious thing is its behaviour: when it senses a draught, it sways like a leaf moved by the wind, and if you blow gently inside the terrarium you can see it move along with the rest of the foliage.

The leaf insects in this collection are bred in Spain from species originating in Asia and Australia. For example, Phyllium philippinicum comes from the Philippines, Phyllium letiranti from the island of Peleng (Indonesia) and Cryptophyllium limogesi from Vietnam. Unlike many nocturnal insects, species of the genus Phyllium are active by day and by night, so they can be observed at any time.

What do leaf insects eat?

Leaf insects eat fresh bramble (Rubus) and rose leaves, the same staple as other phasmids; some species, such as Cryptophyllium limogesi, also accept oak. They are strict herbivores and need no other food or water bowl: they get their water from the leaves and from misting.

In practice, the branches are placed with their stems in a container of water to keep them fresh and are replaced as soon as they start to dry out. The leaves must be free of pesticides, so it is best to pick them away from roadsides and treated gardens. Newly hatched nymphs measure 1.3 cm and eat the same as the adults, so make sure they have tender leaves within reach. Consistent feeding is key for them to complete their moults properly and for adults to keep their colour.

How long does a leaf insect live?

A leaf insect lives for around a year in total, and females live longer than males. Development from nymph to adult takes about 6 or 7 months in species of the genus Phyllium: males go through 5 moults and females 6. After that, according to the sheets for the species we breed, adult males live for between 2 and 4 months and females for between 4 and 8 months.

For example, a Phyllium philippinicum female takes about 6-7 months to reach adulthood and can live up to 7 months more, while a Phyllium ericoriai female lives up to 8. Extatosoma tiaratum, the dry leaf insect, lives for between 6 and 10 months as an adult. Phyllium letiranti females lay between 3 and 4 eggs a day, which drop onto the substrate and take 4 to 5 months to hatch, so you can watch the whole life cycle at home.

What terrarium does a leaf insect need?

A leaf insect's terrarium is vertical and measures at least 2 times the insect's length in width and 3 times in height, because it hangs down to shed. For example, for an 8 cm female Phyllium philippinicum, the terrarium should be at least 24 cm high and 16 cm wide.

• Humidity: between 60% and 75% depending on the species, with misting every 2 or 3 days.
• Ventilation: essential to prevent fungus and mould.
• Temperature: phasmids tolerate 18 °C, but ideally keep them above 20 °C, around 25 °C.
• Interior: the food branches in water, some substrate and clear space beneath the branches so the shed goes well.

General care is covered in our phasmid care guide.

Which leaf insect species should you choose?

Phyllium philippinicum is the easiest leaf insect species to start with: it is hardy, active by day and by night, and the adult female measures about 8 cm and the male 5 cm. These are the species in the collection:

• Phyllium philippinicum: the simplest, in green tones, with 60-70% humidity.
• Phyllium letiranti: females of 8-9 cm, green, yellow or even reddish; the males fly.
• Phyllium ericoriai: females up to 10 cm, from green to yellow.
• Cryptophyllium limogesi: the giant leaf insect, with lime-green females of about 10 cm and 75% humidity.
• Extatosoma tiaratum: mimics a dry leaf; the female reaches 12 cm and newly hatched nymphs mimic an ant.

Several leaf insects can live together if they have enough space and food. They neither sting nor bite.