Stick insects

What is a stick insect?

A stick insect is a phasmid: a herbivorous insect of the order Phasmida that mimics a twig to go unnoticed among the vegetation. Phasmids number around 3,000 known species and are divided mainly into stick insects, leaf insects and bark insects. The stick insect is calm, quiet and lives happily in a small terrarium, which is why it is one of the most recommended exotic pets for beginners.

The animals in this collection are bred in Spain, although the species come from South-East Asia: for example, Medauroidea extradentata comes from Vietnam and Phaenopharos khaoyaiensis from Thailand. They hatch as nymphs of around 2 cm that already look like the adults, because the stick insect's metamorphosis is incomplete, and they grow moult by moult to 10 or 14 cm depending on the species.

How long does a stick insect live?

A stick insect lives for around a year in total, and some species reach a year and a half. The life cycle has two stages. First, the nymph takes about 5 months to become an adult and goes through 5 to 7 sheds; males usually shed once less than females. Then the adult lives for another 6 to 12 months, depending on the species.

According to the care sheets of the species we breed, Medauroidea extradentata lives up to 10 months as an adult and Phaenopharos khaoyaiensis up to 1 year. For example, a Phaenopharos that hatches in January becomes an adult around June and can live until the following summer. A stick insect's life is shortened if the temperature falls below 18 °C, if the humidity is wrong or if it is disturbed while shedding, when it is hanging and at its most vulnerable. If it loses a leg, it regrows it over the following sheds.

What do stick insects eat?

Stick insects eat fresh leaves: they are strict herbivores and the staple of their diet in captivity is bramble (Rubus spp.) and rose (Rosa spp.), two plants available all year round. Depending on the species, they also accept oak or eucalyptus leaves.

In our breeding we feed all species on bramble and rose branches placed in the centre of the terrarium, with the stems in a vase of water so the leaves stay fresh. The leaves must be free of pesticides, so pick them away from roadsides and treated gardens. A stick insect does not need a water bowl: it gets its moisture from the leaves, and some species drink the droplets left after misting. Replace the branches as soon as they start to dry out. As stick insects mostly eat at night and blend in among the branches, it is normal not to see them eating and to find nibbled leaves in the morning.

What terrarium does a stick insect need?

A stick insect's terrarium is tall and measures at least 3 times the insect's length in height and 2 times in width, because it hangs to shed and needs room to stretch out. For example, for an adult Medauroidea extradentata of 10 cm, the terrarium should be at least 30 cm tall and 20 cm wide.

• Temperature: between 20 and 25 °C. It tolerates 18 °C, but below 20 °C a heat mat is advisable.
• Humidity: around 75%, with a light misting every 2 or 3 days.
• Ventilation: essential to prevent mould.
• Light: natural or artificial, just so it can tell day from night.

Inside: branches to climb, the food plant and a layer of substrate. Full details are in our phasmid care guide.

Does a stick insect sting or bite?

No. The stick insect does not sting, does not bite and is not venomous: it is completely harmless and can be kept at home with children. Its defence is camouflage and, in many species, shedding a leg if it feels trapped. That is why it is handled gently, letting it climb onto your hand, and never picked up by the legs. Phaenopharos khaoyaiensis also unfolds a second pair of red wings when it feels threatened: a very striking warning display, but with no danger at all.

Several stick insects can live together in the same terrarium if they have enough space and food. Many species reproduce without males: Medauroidea extradentata and Phaenopharos khaoyaiensis are parthenogenetic, so there are only females and they lay fertile eggs. In Phaenopharos, the young hatch about 4 months after the eggs are laid.