Giant Prickly Stick Insect

Giant Prickly Stick Insect key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

Adult females 6 months to 1 year / adult males 2-4 months

Size

Females about 20cm, males about 11cm

Diet

The leaves of broadleaf trees such as eucalyptus

Temperature & Humidity

It comes from rainforest in eastern Australia, so mist the enclosure to keep it from drying out. Females reach about 20cm, so the container must be more than twice that in height for moulting.

Breeding & Egg-laying

As with most phasmids the eggs resemble plant seeds and drop into the substrate in captivity. Newly hatched nymphs mimic the Australian ant genus Leptomyrmex, with an orange head, a white collar and a black body behind, an aposematic pattern. Where most adult stick insects are famously slow, these nymphs are quick and active.

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. Mind the spines on the hind legs when handling, and never force a hold on an insect in its threat pose.

Lifespan & Rearing Period

Across stick insects as a whole, most species mature in a few months through five or six moults and live from a few months to at most three years.

Health & Notes

The import of insects, foreign stick insects included, is regulated under Japan's Plant Protection Act, and whether a given species may enter depends on the country it comes from. What circulates in Japan is captive-bred stock, so buy from a clear source and never let one loose outdoors. The eggs look like plant seeds, so always check the substrate for them before discarding it.

About Giant Prickly Stick Insect

A guide to the Giant Prickly Stick Insect: females reach about 20cm and males about 11cm and fly well. Covers its spiny camouflage, ant-mimicking nymphs, care difficulty, and what to know before bringing one home.

7 things to know before welcoming a Giant Prickly Stick Insect

1. 1A master of spiny camouflage

   The thorn-like projections covering its entire body let it blend convincingly into twigs and bark. Because it moves so slowly, it can be almost impossible to spot while at rest.

2. 2Females and males look very different

   Females are stocky, reach about 20 cm, and show off prominent spines, while males are slender, about 11 cm, and fly readily on their wings. The difference between the sexes is striking, so it's worth knowing this before you bring one home.

3. 3Nymphs disguise themselves as ants

   Just after hatching, nymphs take on a reddish color and ant-like movements to help protect themselves from predators. Watching them gradually change into their adult form as they grow is part of the enjoyment of keeping this species.

4. 4Best suited to keepers with some experience

   While not an especially delicate species, it does require solid basics such as temperature and humidity control and a steady supply of food plants. It suits keepers with some prior insect-keeping experience rather than a very first insect.

5. 5Needs a tall, roomy enclosure

   Because it grows quite large, provide an enclosure with enough height and space for molting and for spreading its wings. A cramped setup can lead to problems during molting.

6. 6Line up food plants in advance

   As a plant-eating species, it needs a steady, ongoing supply of suitable food plants. It's reassuring to secure a reliable source before bringing one home.

7. 7A calm species suited to quiet observation

   It is calm and moves very little, staying still for most of the day. This is an insect better suited to quiet observation than to active handling.

Frequently asked questions about Giant Prickly Stick Insect

Q.How large does it grow?

A.Females are a large species reaching about 20 cm in length. Males are smaller, growing to around 11 cm.

Q.Is it venomous or safe to touch?

A.Its body is covered in spiny projections, so it should always be handled gently to avoid stressing the animal. If you're unsure about handling, it's fine to simply observe rather than touch it.

Q.What do the nymphs look like?

A.Freshly hatched nymphs closely resemble ants in both color and movement, which is thought to be a defense against predators. As they grow, they gradually take on the spiny appearance of the adult form.

Q.Is this species suitable for beginners?

A.Its care level is considered intermediate, so having a basic grasp of temperature, humidity, and food-plant supply is helpful. It's best to gain some insect-keeping experience before taking one on.

Q.Are there any international trade restrictions?

A.The Giant Prickly Stick Insect is not listed under CITES.

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