Japanese Spiny Stick Insect

Japanese Spiny Stick Insect key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Adults 4-6 months

Size

55-68mm (a species list gives females at 57-75mm)

Diet

The leaves of a wide range of plants, some thirty species in twenty-one families, with lacecap hydrangea particularly favoured

Temperature & Humidity

It occurs from the lowlands to low hills west of central Honshu, so indoors it can be kept at temperatures that follow the Japanese seasons. Mist the enclosure to keep it damp.

Breeding & Egg-laying

Eggs are laid on the ground, apparently dropped at random while the insect is hidden by day or out feeding at night; in captivity one or two a day have been recorded. Adults appear in late July, laying begins in August and continues to late October. The winter is passed as eggs, which hatch from late February, and nymphs are seen through to late July, so the species appears to be univoltine. Since almost all are female, a single insect can carry a line forward.

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. The spines are defensive and pose no danger in handling.

Lifespan & Rearing Period

Adults are seen along mountain paths in late autumn, though one source gives the season as June to November, which suggests a somewhat longer adult life. The winter is passed as eggs, so no adult sees the year out.

Health & Notes

There was an outbreak on Hachijojima in which greenhouse ornamentals were badly damaged, the insect was treated as a pest over 140 hectares and pesticides were applied. Its food plants are very wide-ranging, so keep the enclosure secure and never release it outside the area it came from. The eggs look like plant seeds, so check the substrate for them before discarding it.

About Japanese Spiny Stick Insect

A stout-bodied stick insect covered in spine-like projections, the Japanese Spiny Stick Insect reproduces almost entirely by parthenogenesis and feeds on a wide range of plants, making it approachable for beginners.

7 things to know before welcoming a Japanese Spiny Stick Insect

1. 1A Stout, Spiny Body

   Compared with other stick insects, the Japanese Spiny Stick Insect has a noticeably sturdier build, with rows of spine-like projections along its back and body edges. This distinctive silhouette is part of what makes it appealing to keep and observe.

2. 2Almost Entirely Female

   Nearly all individuals found are female, and eggs typically hatch through parthenogenesis without the need for a male. Males are exceptionally rare, and a colony can continue reproducing from females alone in captivity.

3. 3Beginner-Friendly Care

   This species is classified as beginner-friendly, making it a popular entry point into stick insect keeping. Even so, basic care such as managing temperature, humidity, and host plants still needs regular attention.

4. 4Feeds on Many Plants

   It is known for accepting a wide range of host plants, which makes sourcing fresh leaves relatively easy. Always confirm that any plant offered is safe before feeding it.

5. 5A Calm Temperament

   Movements are slow and unhurried, and when startled the insect tends to freeze in place rather than flee. It suits keepers who enjoy quiet observation more than frequent handling.

6. 6Enclosure Space Needs

   With relatively long legs for its body size, this species benefits from an enclosure with enough height to move around comfortably. Good ventilation paired with adequate humidity helps keep the environment healthy.

7. 7Molting and Health Checks

   Like other insects, it goes through periodic molts, so it's best to avoid disturbing the enclosure around these times. A sustained loss of appetite or unusual movement is worth treating as a cue to review the care setup.

Frequently asked questions about Japanese Spiny Stick Insect

Q.Will I end up with a male or a female?

A.Nearly all individuals in circulation are female. Confirmed males are exceptionally rare in Japan, and the species is known to reproduce through parthenogenesis across generations.

Q.Can a first-time insect keeper care for this species?

A.Its care difficulty is rated beginner-friendly, and it's often chosen as an entry point into insect keeping. Maintaining basic temperature, humidity, and host plant supply makes ongoing care manageable.

Q.How big does it get?

A.Adults typically reach around 55 to 68 mm in body length. It has a relatively sturdy build compared with many other stick insects.

Q.What should I feed it?

A.This species is known for accepting a very wide range of host plants. Always check that whatever you offer is safe before feeding it.

Q.Are there any legal restrictions on keeping this species?

A.This species is not subject to CITES.

Useful tools for Japanese Spiny Stick Insect care

Learn more about Japanese Spiny Stick Insect in the encyclopedia

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