All About the Indian Stick Insect
Introduction
The Indian stick insect (Carausius morosus) is an ideal entry-point to the world of keeping invertebrates. Relatively easy to care for, and fascinating to watch they have been kept in captivity for decades and are one of the most studied insects. They are also known as the Laboratory Stick Insect amongst zoologists. The only slight negative when keeping them as pets is that they have a tendency towards being nocturnal, although you will also see them active during the day.
They vary in shades of color from dull green to brown, and are distinguished by red marks on the inside of their forelegs. These red markings are flashed at potential predators to keep them at bay. This is not the only means of stick insect defense though, as they also imitate twigs and drop to the ground when disturbed. Once the threat has passed the Indian stick insect will stand up and sway like a twig being blown in the breeze. They are a manageable size with adults growing to around four inches in length.
Housing
The Indian appreciates a tall vivarium with plenty of room for climbing. Minimum dimensions would be 12×18x12 inches, with 18 inches the height. Without enough space stick insects have difficulty molting. A molt requires enough space for the insect to hang upside down and shed the existing skin, thus a vivrium should be at least twice the length of a fully grown adult. However, a fully grown adult Indian of four inches will thrive with a height of 18 inches, and feel somewhat cramped if it has just eight inches of plant to climb.
If you decide to convert an aquarium rather than have a purpose built insect vivarium then that is perfectly acceptable, but you should ensure that the hood is changed, as standard aquarium hoods do not provide sufficient ventilation. A netted/mesh hood, that is well fitted for security, is ideal. Both glass and acrylic are equally suitable. Some owners choose to make their own hardwood housing, but this can be a lot harder to clean and maintain than factory-made housing.
The Indian Stick Insect is usually pretty happy, and there should be no need for heat mats or bulbs. To maintain a suitable humidity you should miss the leaves provided for feeding, but not to the point that they become soggy. If you are unable to maintain a room temperature of 70 to 80 degrees, and determine that artificial heating is required, then head mats (commonly used with lizards) are the best option. If you go for a regular tungsten bulb, but this causes issues as it dries the atmosphere causing dehydration amongst, and unless there is a good screen then there is always the risk that your pet will burn itself by climbing onto the bulb.
Newspaper makes a convenient flooring to the housing as it can easily be removed for cleaning. More visually appealing substrate options include damp peat, bark, moss, and leaves.
Photos (of Indians and More!)
Feeding
Although a stick insect’s diet in the wild is pretty varied, it is not necessary to replicate this variety in captivity. The Indian stick insect’s preferred food is privet, but they can manage equally well on a diet of bramble, which is often more readily available.
Growing your own supply of ideal of bramble is ideal. To grow your own bramble take a plant with its roots attached, and pot it in some compost. As it grows you can then trim it as needed for feeding. You should not use toxic fertilizer.
As an alternative to growing bramble, you can collect it in the wild. Toxins such as exhaust are common by the roadside so the bramble should be thoroughly washed of all toxins before giving it to your pet. Other things to watch out for are spider eggs and bird droppings. Also, avoid giving young shoots as these are not as appealing to the stick insect, and may even cause some problems.
With the nocturnal tendencies of the Indian Stick Insect it is important to have food available 24 hours a day. Fresh food is important to your pet’s health, and you should replace the bramble every few days. While it is in the vivarium it should be able to draw on water, but it is important that the water supply has a narrow neck to avoid the risk of your insect falling in and drowning. Some owners prefer to have their bramble rooted in moist peat to mitigate the risk of drowning.
A Great Video of a Stick Insect Feeding on Bramble
Handle with Care!
Sticks insects are easy animals to tame and handle, but it must be done with care as they are so delicate. The best thing to do is put your hand out and gently nudge them to walk on it. The legs of the Indian Stick Insect are prone to break off so do not let them climb onto woolen surfaces or areas where they can get tangled.
It should be mentioned that depending on the species the dangers of handling are not all on the side of the stick insect. The American Walking Stick (Anisomorpha bupestroides) has a chemical substance which sprayed in defense can cause temporary blindness in humans, and the thorn Legged stick insect (Eurycantha calcarata) will pinch and bite if not tamed. Really these are not the ideal pets for handling, and they are best observed in the comfortable environment that you build for them. It’s another reason with the Indian Stick Insect makes such a great choice for those starting out in the hobby.
Breeding
Once keepers have enjoyed these pets for a time they often become keen breeders, and it’s easier than with some animals because some stick insects are capable of reproducing without mating!
With the Indian Stick Insect the female lays hundreds of eggs during her life, and you will likely see them in the vivarium. Don’t get too excited though, because they can take a year to hatch. The best thing to do is keep them on warm sand, spray them occasionally, and wait. After hatching the Indian Stick Insects will spend the first few months of their lives shedding their skins six times as they grow to become adults. Of course, all adults will be female as that is the nature of the species.
But the parthenogenic characteristics of the Indian Stick Insect is not typical of the Phasmatodea order of insects, that is to say that most stick insects need a male and female to reproduce.
One thing to watch out for is stick insects that will keep their eggs buried. The Thorn Legged stick insect is a burrier, thus when breeding this species make sure you have a layer of compost on the ground, for the eggs to be deposited in. Once laid these eggs can be left there, or taken out and kept in a separate layer of soil – don’t bury the eggs deeper than a centimeter though.
Health
There are some key things to watch out for when caring for the health of your walking sticks insect, one of which is fungus. You can help prevent fungus by adding some woodlice to your vivarium, and keeping the housing cleaned regularly. If you identify any adults with fungus separate them from your other pets, and if you notice any eggs with fungus they are best discarded.
Remember to avoid treated food, or any that has been picked from a roadside where it is subject to car fumes. We have already mentioned this point, but there is nothing worse than watching your collection dying soon after a feed and knowing you got it wrong.
Be mindful of delicate legs of the indian stick insect when handling as they will not grow back if your pet is an adult. Also make sure your pet’s home is not overcrowded.
