Stick insects breeding for beginners
Stick insects are among the most fascinating insects you can keep at home. Their appearance is remarkably similar to a twig, and many species can even imitate the small irregularities and textures of bark. They move slowly and calmly, and when they feel threatened, they often freeze and straighten their legs, making themselves look even more like a branch or stem. Some species can also move with a gentle swaying motion, mimicking a twig moving in the wind. Many stick insect species are relatively easy to care for, which is why they are becoming increasingly popular both among terrarium enthusiasts and as children’s first exotic pets. However, like any animal, they require proper preparation and suitable living conditions. Here, you will learn what to feed stick insects, how to care for them, and how molting and breeding work.
Are stick insects a good choice for beginners?
Absolutely. Stick insects are quiet, slow-moving animals that do not require much space or special care. They are an excellent choice for people who want to begin keeping exotic pets without investing in advanced setups. Their care is not particularly demanding, but it does require regularity and consistency in care and feeding.
One of the biggest advantages of stick insects is how interesting they are to observe. Their movement, feeding habits, and behavior can be fascinating, especially for children. Watching a tiny nymph grow into a fully developed adult insect can be a truly rewarding experience.
At the same time, it is important to remember that stick insects are delicate creatures. They are not suitable for frequent handling or constant interaction with humans. Young nymphs, in particular, can be injured very easily. However, with gentle and careful handling, they can still be safely observed outside the terrarium.
Which stick insects should you choose to start with?
There are many stick insect species available in the terrarium hobby, but beginners should usually choose species that are hardy and have simple care requirements. Many people start with species that tolerate normal room temperatures and do not have highly specific humidity requirements. Before choosing a particular species, however, it is important to check its adult size, diet, and terrarium requirements. Among the most popular beginner-friendly species are the Vietnamese stick insect (Medauroidea extradentata) and the Indian stick insects (Carausius morosus).
What kind of terrarium do stick insects need?
In the article How to Set Up a Terrarium for Stick Insects I explained in detail how to prepare a suitable enclosure. Be sure to check those guidelines before bringing stick insects home.
What to feed stick insects?
Diet is one of the most important factors to consider before purchasing stick insects. These insects mainly feed on the leaves of trees and shrubs, and each species has its own preferences and a specific range of suitable food plants. Before buying stick insects, make sure you will have regular access to the plants they need. Many popular species readily feed on leaves from blackberries, raspberries, wild roses, oak trees, apple trees, plum trees, pear trees, strawberries, wild strawberries. However, it is important to remember that not every plant is suitable for every species. Some stick insects have very specific dietary preferences that result from their adaptation to particular plants in their natural habitats.
Feeding stick insects with tree leaves carries the greatest risk of food shortages during certain times of the year. Although they can be used successfully, it is worth preparing alternative food sources for autumn and winter when access to fresh leaves may become limited.
What to feed stick insects in winter?
For the most common stick insect species that can eat the plants mentioned above, blackberry leaves are usually the best option. Blackberries are evergreen and remain available for most of the year. However, there are exceptions, some bushes lose their leaves in early spring, just before producing new shoots and foliage. Fortunately, some blackberry plants retain their older leaves for longer, providing a continuous food source. The short period when blackberry leaves are unavailable usually overlaps with the appearance of young raspberry and rose shoots, as well as fresh strawberry and wild strawberry leaves. You can also prepare by collecting and storing a small supply of blackberry leaves or temporarily switching to other suitable plants.
Some stick insect species can also feed on ivy, which stays green throughout the year, as well as basil. However, these should be considered emergency food sources rather than a permanent diet. Stick insects usually grow less effectively on these plants and may not reach their full size. They are not ideal long-term options, but they can be very helpful when access to preferred food plants is temporarily limited.
Another possibility is freezing leaves and branches for later use. After thawing, they can be offered to stick insects as food. However, this method can be difficult to manage in practice, as it requires a large amount of freezer space. Thawed leaves also spoil faster, and repeatedly frozen plant material tends to dry out more quickly.
Can you change the type of food for stick insects?
It is worth remembering that stick insects usually do best when they are fed one type of food consistently. Frequent changes to their diet can initially cause reluctance to eat, as these insects become accustomed to the plants they are given and often prefer familiar food sources. If you need to change their diet, it is best to do so gradually. Start by offering both the old and new food plants at the same time, allowing the insects to slowly adapt. This is especially important for more sensitive species, as sudden dietary changes can sometimes lead to a rapid decline in their condition.
Where to collect plants for stick insects?
Food plants should always come from a safe source. They must not be treated with pesticides or other chemicals, and they should never be collected near busy roads where they may be contaminated. Stick insects are extremely sensitive to toxins, especially insecticides designed to kill insects. Eating even a single recently sprayed plant can potentially be fatal and may result in the loss of all inhabitants of the terrarium.
How should you feed stick insects?
The most common method is to place leafy branches directly into the terrarium in a way that keeps them fresh for as long as possible. A practical solution is to put the stems into a small container of water and secure it so that the insects cannot fall inside. This method keeps the leaves fresh for longer and reduces how often food needs to be replaced. Without access to water, leaves wilt much faster and may become less attractive to stick insects. As a result, more food is wasted, and the keeper needs to replace it more frequently.
Molting – a critical moment in stick insect care
Like many other insects, stick insects grow by molting. This is one of the most important stages of their development and also the moment when they are most vulnerable. Shortly before molting, the stick insect climbs to a suitable place and firmly attaches itself to the surface with its claws. The old exoskeleton then splits along the back of the thorax, and the insect slowly emerges, usually hanging upside down. The newly exposed exoskeleton is soft and flexible. As the insect leaves the old shell, its body expands due to increased pressure from hemolymph (the insect equivalent of blood). Once exposed to air, the new exoskeleton gradually dries and hardens. If humidity levels are incorrect, either too low or too high, this process can be disrupted and lead to serious complications.
A suitable amount of space and peace are also essential during molting. A stressed stick insect or one kept in an enclosure that is too small may become trapped in the old exoskeleton, fall, or develop physical deformities due to an unsuccessful molt. A molting stick insect should never be disturbed. Problems caused by an abnormal molt can affect the insect’s future development and everyday functioning. In some cases, a stick insect may lose a leg during molting if it was damaged or became stuck in the old exoskeleton. Young stick insects can regenerate lost limbs during later molts. Adult individuals, however, will usually remain without the missing leg permanently.
Reproduction in stick insects
Caring for stick insects is closely connected with the topic of reproduction, even if you do not intend to breed them. Many species have the remarkable ability to reproduce through parthenogenesis. This means that females do not need males to produce offspring, and unfertilized eggs develop into females. As a result, many popular stick insect species kept in captivity consist entirely of females.
Depending on the species, a female may lay anywhere from several dozen to several hundred eggs during her adult life, which usually lasts around 6–12 months. Many females lay eggs regularly, sometimes producing them every day.
Stick insect eggs are extremely resistant to mechanical damage. They have a hard outer shell and a small lid (operculum) that opens when the young insect hatches. The eggs can also survive temporary periods of lower humidity. Incubation usually takes several months, commonly around 2–4 months, although it can take longer depending on the species, temperature, and humidity levels. Eggs can be incubated separately in a dedicated container or left in the adult terrarium. They should be kept at the humidity level recommended for the species, which is usually around 70–80%.
Young stick insects hatch regularly and immediately begin climbing upward in search of suitable food plants. They can remain in the adult enclosure if there is enough space and an adequate food supply. However, nymphs are more sensitive to drying out, so maintaining proper humidity is especially important when raising young insects. Most species reach maturity after approximately 3–6 months.
Population control
Although watching the entire life cycle, from egg-laying, through incubation, to hatching and the growth of young stick insects, is fascinating at first, it can eventually become a challenge.
Too many newly hatched insects mean additional responsibilities, including the need for more space, additional food, and eventually finding new homes for the excess individuals. For this reason, stick insect populations should be kept under control. If you do not want to expand your colony, it is best to remove excess eggs and dispose of them responsibly. Freezing or crushing unwanted eggs before disposal is the safest approach. This prevents accidental introduction of non-native species or potential pathogens into the environment. Never release unwanted stick insects into the wild. Although many species have little chance of surviving winter conditions in Poland, releasing exotic insects is still irresponsible.
Can you hold stick insects in your hands?
Stick insects can be held, but it should always be done gently and with care. They are delicate animals, and their legs can be easily injured. Some species can also drop a leg as a defense mechanism when stressed, so you should never grab a stick insect by its limbs. If you want to move a stick insect or allow it to walk on your hand, the best approach is to let it climb onto you or onto a twig voluntarily rather than trying to pick it up directly.
Being removed from the terrarium can be stressful for stick insects. When this happens, they may use their natural camouflage behaviors: some sway gently, imitating a twig moving in the wind, while others freeze and extend their front legs forward, making their body appear longer and more branch-like. Some individuals may suddenly release their grip and fall. This is also a natural defense mechanism, in the wild, a falling stick insect usually lands among leaves or vegetation, where predators have difficulty spotting it. When handling a stick insect, always make sure it cannot fall onto a hard surface or be accidentally stepped on. Move slowly, give it time to adjust, and observe its behavior. With patience, many stick insects become comfortable enough to calmly walk around on your hand.
Literature
Compiled based on personal experience and the following references:
- Encyklopedia internetowa: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phasmatidae.
- https://www.krakvet.pl/artykuly/czym-sie-zywi-patyczak-i-jak-hodowac-patyczaki/?srsltid=AfmBOoovgIy8eWMvvYjojoBXSJg8UmLqL-EWYDDG3JTPdtyoJnsg3x4F.
- https://www.terrarium.com.pl/medauroidea-extradentata-patyczak-rogaty/.
- https://www.terrarium.com.pl/carausius-morosus-patyczak-indyjski/.
- Schuiten B.I. 2008. Zwierzęta w terrarium, tłum. Borycka-Zakrzewska J. (Wydawnictwo REA, 2011), 20-27.
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