The numbers
Enclosure
25 × 20 × 25 cm
Diet
Oak (staple), privet, bramble, rose, ivy · Fresh leaves always available; replace ~weekly
Temperature
22–28°C
Humidity
60–75%
Identity
Order / Family
Phasmatodea
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES-listed
Difficulty
Intermediate
Commonality
Uncommon
Adult size
F ~6.5–8 cm stout; M ~4 cm (rides on female)
Lifespan
F ~6–10 mo adult; total ~12 mo
Growth rate
Medium
Activity & niche
Nocturnal · Ground & low browser
Temperament
Calm but chemically defended — handle with care
Venom / defense
Sprays a terpene defensive fluid that causes SEVERE eye pain/corneal irritation in humans — never handle near the face
Price (THB)
฿250–550
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
22–28°C
Humidity
60–75%
Min. enclosure
25×20×25 cm; secure lid; moist floor
Substrate
Moist coco/soil; leaf litter
Hides / decor / water
Bark hides; mist to keep damp; water on plants
Diet
Staple food
Oak (staple), privet, bramble, rose, ivy
Feeding frequency
Fresh leaves always available; replace ~weekly
Supplements
None; fresh host leaves only
Behaviour and handling
Handling
NOT advised — defensive spray can injure eyes; wear caution, keep off face
Communal
Yes — often found in mating pairs/aggregations
Defense / stress signs
Aims and sprays milky irritant from thoracic glands when disturbed
Reproduction
Reproduction
Sexual; small M rides F long-term; eggs dropped; hatch ~2–4 mo
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMismoult, dehydration
Red flags / quarantine
SignsSluggish, shrivel, mould; warn staff re: spray
Good to know
- Its aimed chemical spray can reach ~30–40 cm and temporarily blind a predator
Others in this group
Indian / Laboratory Stick InsectCarausius morosusGiant Prickly / Spiny Leaf InsectExtatosoma tiaratumVietnamese / Annam Stick InsectMedauroidea extradentataMalayan Jungle NymphHeteropteryx dilatataPink-Winged Stick InsectSipyloidea sipylusSabah Thorny Stick InsectAretaon asperrimusThorny Devil Stick InsectEurycantha calcarataBlack Beauty Stick InsectPeruphasma schultei