Look closely at gum trees, rose bushes or fruit trees for these green or brown buddies. The stick insect is a Phasmid – insects that eat leaves and resemble leaves or sticks. It is a master of disguise and remains still during the day.

While stick insects don’t bite, they have developed some incredibly creative defense mechanisms. Others use their leg spines to inflict pain on their enemy while different stick insect species may even emit a chemical spray similar to tear gas toward their offender.

Stick Insect Habitat They reside almost exclusively in grasslands, woodlands, and forests. The greatest number of stick insect species is found in South America and Southeast Asia, but a disproportionate number of species appear to occupy the large island of Borneo in the Pacific.

Stick insects are not poisonous to humans and pose no danger to us. Some species of stick insect do, though, have a venom-like substance that is used to ward off predators. They do this by directing a spray at their attacker.

As a general rule, male stick insects are smaller and skinnier than the females. They have large, strong wings and can fly really well. The females are larger and fatter because their bodies are full of lots of eggs waiting to be laid. Because they are so heavy, they usually can’t fly much at all!

Generally speaking, stick insects cannot actually jump.

In stick insects only females are produced through parthenogenesis. Not all stick insect species can reproduce without fertilization, many species do need a male to fertilize the eggs.

Are the Indian Stick Insects male or female? They are all female and do not require males to mate. Any eggs laid will also be female.

Stick insects need water to survive. And the vast majority obtain this water from the leaves they eat; with a few exceptions. They just get it in different ways.

Stick Insects and Body Temperature The whole heat lamp discussion is underscored by the fact that insects are cold-blooded creatures. This means that, unlike mammals, they are incapable of self-regulating body temperature.

Stick insect eggs will vary from one species to the next, but for the most part they tend to look like small brown seeds or pips. Moreover, they may or may not have markings on them, depending on the species of stick insect.

Watering your stick insects Phasmids drink droplets from the leaves and can be watered by providing them with a daily misting using a spray bottle.

The general care for a stick insect is very basic. We recommend an Exo Terra Terrarium to start their habitational needs, at a size of 30x30x30cm. This is the perfect size to allow your stick insect to hide and exercise freely. The temperature of their terrarium should be between 20°C and 25°C.

Stick insects eat fresh leaves, so you will have to find a way to provide this for them. It’s generally not for sale at the pet shop! Luckily you can find fresh leaves in most countries all year round. Even in winter you’ll be able to find it.

Yes, stick insects can live alone. They are not social creatures that need to live in groups to thrive, and they do not suffer what we would consider ‘loneliness. ‘

The short answer to what stick insects drink is: water. They can drink tiny water droplets found on leaves, but they get the majority of their water through the leaves the eat. Misting the enclosure using a spray bottle helps keeps the leaves moist.