FEEDING
Most types eat bramble (blackberry) leaves. The Latin name for bramble is Rubus discolor. Many stick insects also eat eucalyptus. The Indian stick insect (the most common variety) also eats privet and ivy leaves. Peruvian stick insects only eat fern. Spray leaves daily with water.
HOUSING
The cage needs to be tall (46cm, 18") so they have room to grow.
It needs mesh sides so the insects can
get a good grip. Stick insects have claws on their feet and need to hook them
round a rough surface to climb. Many stick insects like lots of air and
so must be kept in a cage with ventilated sides. The Bug Studio
Professional is great for stick insects. This cage has four see-through
sides but instead of being solid they are full of specially made holes,
allowing the stick insects to breathe and climb easily.
Keep
it clean by lining the base with a Bug Studio Professional Liner,
changed weekly.
HANDLING
Many stick insects are good to handle. Lift adults by the middle of their bodies and medium-sized insects by their tails. It's best not to touch baby stick insects as they are delicate.
TEMPERATURE
Stick insects do not need heated cages. They do well in a room that is comfortably warm in the day and cooler at night. Avoid putting the cage on a windowsill as the insects may overheat in the summer and get too cold in the winter.
FURTHER INFORMATION
A good book to read is "Keeping Stick
Insects" by Dorothy Floyd. She is Britain's stick insect expert and writes
with enthusiasm. Find out about the different species, breeding, practical
tips, lifecycle information etc.
"Keeping Stick Insects" has
colour photos, lots of illustrations and has already been reprinted four times!
Order it direct from www.small-life.co.uk or by
phoning 01949 842446.
These Care sheets are produced by Small-Life Supplies to generate more interest in the hobby and are copyright free. Please print this sheet if you need more copies.