Rearing Stick Insects (Phasmids)

There is a huge variety of stick insects (over 3,000 species world wide), so this basic rearing guide is for the easier species that are readily available online, or in pet shops. Some stick insects are much harder to keep than others, with some requiring high temperature and humidity, but some requiring room temperatire, and room humidity.

All stick insects are herbivores, just feeding on leaf matter. There is a wide range of what different species can eat, with some leaves being poisonous to some species. The most common leaf which nearly all stick insect species can eat, is bramble (bramble/blackberry leaves, from the genus Rubus.) Species such as the Heteropteryx Dilatata (Jungle Nymph) and Eurycantha Calcarata (Thorny Stick Insect) will enjoy oak leaves, which are again a good food source. In general, all phasmid species will eat oak, privet, bramble and hawthorn, without any fear. In general, it is best to gather the leaves, or foodsources from rural areas, away from pollution and litter. Road sides are a bad place to gather leaves, because there is constant car pollution being pumped onto the verges. It is a good idea to fill the enclosure with leaves, especially if you are keeping more than one stick insect in the same enclosure.

Housing is relatively easy. A simple tank will be needed which must be at least 3 times the height of the stick insect for shedding purposes. The tank cane be plastic, or glass, although I find plastic much better just because it is lighter, easier to move, and you can stack them. It is good to have a ventilated tank, so there is a fresh supply of air. This can be done by by having a mesh or ventilated lid. Temperatures should be from 20c upwards. Species such as Carausius (Indian Stick Insect) can live happily at room temperature, but more exotic species, such as Heteropteryx (Jungle Nymph) should be kept a little warmer. Humidity wise, again, different species can be kept at different humidities. In the example again, Indian stick insects do not need high humidity, once a week spraying will do fine. Jungle nymphs will need much higher humditiy, so daily spraying will be required.