© りなべる / CC BY 4.0Branch Stick Insect
The Branch Stick Insect is one of Japan's larger native stick insect species, with females reaching 82-110mm in length. Their coloring ranges from green to brown to grayish-brown, giving each individual a slightly different look as it blends in among twigs and branches. Calm and slow-moving, they tend to stay still unless disturbed, making them enjoyable to simply observe. Their notably long antennae set them apart from the closely related species Ramulus irregulariterdentatus, and they're commonly found even in areas near cities. Considered beginner-friendly, this species is approachable for anyone setting up the right habitat for the first time.
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Branch Stick Insect key facts
- Care level
- Beginner-friendly
- Lifespan
- Adults 3-5 months
- Size
- Males 65-82mm, females 82-110mm
- Diet
- The leaves of broadleaf trees such as cherry, wild rose, evergreen oak and konara oak
- Temperature & Humidity
- It ranges from southern Hokkaido to Kyushu, so indoors it can be kept at temperatures that follow the Japanese seasons. Mist the enclosure so the insect can drink droplets from the leaves.
- Breeding & Egg-laying
- In stick insects generally a female lays between 100 and 1,200 eggs, the eggs resemble plant seeds under a hard shell, and hatching takes from thirteen days to more than seventy, on average twenty to thirty; temperate species lie dormant through winter and hatch in spring.
- Cohabitation
- It is placid, and several of the same species can share an enclosure. Being touched during a moult easily spoils it, so give the container height and plenty of footholds.
- Lifespan & Rearing Period
- Most stick insects mature in a few months through five or six moults and live from a few months to at most three years, depending on the species.
- Health & Notes
- It is easily confused with Ramulus mikado, so check the length of the antennae. Sources differ on the name, so note that Phraortes illepidus and Phraortes elongatus refer to the same animal. It is native to Japan and on neither the invasive alien species list nor the CITES appendices, but it should never be released outside the area it came from.
About Branch Stick Insect
A care guide to the Branch Stick Insect, one of Japan's largest native stick insects. Learn about its size (females 82-110mm), color variation, and beginner-friendly care basics.
7 things to know before welcoming a Branch Stick Insect
1Enclosure and Setup
Set up a tall, well-ventilated enclosure that can hold moderate humidity. Lightly misting the leaves and enclosure walls helps keep them in good condition.
2Feeds on Rose Family Leaves
They favor leaves from Rosaceae plants such as cherry, rose, and wild rose species. Since wilted leaves are less appealing to them, it's important to keep a steady supply of fresh foliage on hand.
3Females Grow Larger Than Males
Females reach 82-110mm in length, while males stay smaller at 65-82mm. Their build changes noticeably as they grow toward adulthood.
4Coloring Varies by Individual
Coloring ranges from green to brown to grayish-brown, so individuals of the same species can look quite different from one another. This variation helps them blend into their surroundings.
5Calm and Slow-Moving
They are quiet insects that spend much of their time motionless. When startled, they may sway their body to mimic a twig moving in the wind.
6Watch Over Molting
They grow larger through several molts as they mature. Keep the enclosure calm before and after molting, and avoid handling them during this time.
7Long Antennae Are a Key Trait
Their notably long antennae distinguish them from the closely related species Ramulus irregulariterdentatus. As a species commonly found near urban areas, they're also a familiar subject for outdoor observation.
Frequently asked questions about Branch Stick Insect
- Q.Is it suitable for beginners?
- A.It's considered beginner-friendly, and with the right setup, first-time keepers can take it on without much difficulty.
- Q.What does it eat?
- A.They favor Rosaceae leaves such as cherry, rose, and wild rose. Offer fresh leaves rather than wilted ones, and keep a steady supply on hand.
- Q.How large does it grow?
- A.Males grow to about 65-82mm and females to about 82-110mm, with females typically larger.
- Q.Is it subject to legal restrictions?
- A.It's not subject to CITES.
- Q.Can it be distinguished from similar species?
- A.It can be distinguished from the closely related Ramulus irregulariterdentatus by its antennae, which are notably longer.
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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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