COMMON NAME

Indian Stick Insect.

LATIN NAME

Carausius morosus

NATIVE TO

Palmi Hills of Tamil Nadu, in Southern India

ADULT SIZE

Females measure up to 4.5in/11cm but males are very rare. Will live for about 6 months to 1 year.

EGGS OR YOUNG?

Stick insects are parthenogenetic which means that they can reproduce without mating. Females lay several eggs a day but produce hundreds over their short life span. The eggs hatch between 1-2 months. The young are called nymphs.

APPEARANCE

Their body colour ranges from green to brown and they have bright red spots on the insides of their front legs. These spots will flash as a warning when they are disturbed

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

Bramble leaves are their usual food although they also like to eat privet. Place the bramble or privet stems in a glass of water to keep the leaves fresh. Choose a narrow necked glass so the young don't fall in and drown.

EASE OF CARE

Beginner upwards

TEMPERAMENT

When touched, the stick insect will often fall to the ground and pretend to be dead. Handle with great care. They will eat each other's legs if they are too confined so provide lots of space

VIVARIUM SETUP

A tall, light and airy vivarium is required. It has to be tall enough to allow the stick insects to hang down vertically when moulting. Tropical woodland-type climate. Mist the leaves lightly to provide drinking water.
Temperature 75F/24C. A reasonable level of humidity is required.

SUBSTRATE

White paper so that you can see their eggs and clean up their droppings.