Spiny leaf insect

Spiny leaf insect
Extatosoma tiaratum Macleay, 1826

An insect from the order of Phasmatodea (stick insects) that originates in Australia. Its lifespan is dependent on the living conditions. It is very popular as a pet. Juvenile specimens, called nymphs, moult numerous times, thus growing in size, until they reach the imago (mature) phase. Male specimens have a shorter lifespan than female ones, which in captive conditions can lead to reproduction problems, owing to the necessity of an “alignment” of imago phases in both specimens for procreation to take place. Females are easy to recognise thanks to the V-shaped pattern on the back, behind the front legs. Stick insects are mimics, which means that they strongly resemble their surroundings; dry sticks or leaves in this case. In their natural environment spiny leaf insects feed on eucalyptus leaves, while in captivity they should be fed leaves of the following plants: blackberries, raspberries, ivy, oak, rose, black locust, or even spiderwort as a last resort. It is important that the terrarium be of the right size so as to avoid problems with moulting; its height should be such as the length of at least 2–3 insects.

Body length:
male: up to 10 cm
female: up to 16 cm

Body weight: up to 25 g