The numbers
Enclosure
30 × 30 × 45 cm
Diet
Bramble/blackberry (staple), eucalyptus, oak, rose, raspberry · Fresh leaves always available; replace ~weekly
Temperature
20–30°C (night can drop)
Humidity
50–70%
Identity
Order / Family
Phasmatodea
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES-listed
Difficulty
Beginner
Commonality
Very common
Adult size
F 13–15 cm (bulky); M ~11 cm (winged)
Lifespan
F ~6–9 mo adult; total ~12–18 mo
Growth rate
Medium (F ~6 mo to adult)
Activity & niche
Nocturnal · Arboreal browser
Temperament
Docile, slow; iconic display species
Venom / defense
Harmless; curls scorpion-like tail; may flick/grasp; no true venom
Price (THB)
฿200–500
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
20–30°C (night can drop)
Humidity
50–70%
Min. enclosure
30×30×45 cm (H ≥3× body); mesh for moulting
Substrate
Coco fibre; mist for droplets & egg humidity
Hides / decor / water
Upright branches to hang & moult; mist food plants daily
Diet
Staple food
Bramble/blackberry (staple), eucalyptus, oak, rose, raspberry
Feeding frequency
Fresh leaves always available; replace ~weekly
Supplements
None; fresh host leaves only
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Very docile; handleable; support body, avoid pre-moult
Communal
Yes — safely gregarious in groups
Defense / stress signs
Curls abdomen over back (scorpion mimic); sways; plays dead
Reproduction
Reproduction
Eggs flicked to ground; FACULTATIVE PARTHENOGENESIS (unmated F = all F)
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMismoult if too dry or low cage, dehydration, dropped limbs
Red flags / quarantine
SignsSluggish, shrivelled, mould, mites on leaves
Good to know
- Ant-mimic hatchlings run to ant nests; adults curl the tail like a scorpion
Others in this group
Indian / Laboratory Stick InsectCarausius morosusVietnamese / Annam Stick InsectMedauroidea extradentataMalayan Jungle NymphHeteropteryx dilatataPink-Winged Stick InsectSipyloidea sipylusSabah Thorny Stick InsectAretaon asperrimusThorny Devil Stick InsectEurycantha calcarataBlack Beauty Stick InsectPeruphasma schulteiSunny / Sungaya Stick InsectSungaya inexpectata