What are walking sticks insects?

Introducing walking sticks insects
Ever thought about keeping a stick as a pet? Well it’s a lot more interesting than it sounds if you select a stick insect, commonly known as “walking sticks.” These camouflage experts are a wonder to watch (when you can see them that is!)

Appearance
These invertebrates are likely to be brown or green, and often also have some warning markings. The Indian Stick Insect, for example, has some dashes of red to warn off predators. These red colorings are on their forelegs so that they can be easily flashed. Most walking sticks insects are not winged, but take handling those that are – make sure all the windows are shut first!

Movement
Their movement is twig-like when they sense attack. If they are on a tree when a predator approaches, they often drop to the ground and sit motionless until they feel safe. You’ll never tire of seeing your pet’s stick impersonations – when the Indian stick insect gets up from a period of being motionless they will sway like a twig. This camouflage technique is an effective defense mechanism.

Habitat
These delightful creatures live to be around a year old, and are very easy to care for.  One thing to mention is that they need a tall vivarium with plants such as brambles for them to climb on and eat. They need these plants to hang down from when they shed their skins, so an ideal vivarium is at least three and a half times the full length of the insect.

Many owners report success keeping them at room temperature of around 17 degrees centigrade, however, this works best for a hardy species such as the Indian Stick Insect (Carausius morosus), and others are better suited to a warmer temperature of 25 degrees Centigrade. A good way to raise the vivarium temperature in a small room is the use of an overhanging light bulb that is placed beyond the reach of the stick insects – you want them to be warm rather than burnt.

In terms of humidity the vivarium should be misted each night as all walking sticks insects require water, but there is a big difference in required humidity levels depending on the species that you select. The Touch Me Not Stick Insect (epidares nolimetangere) requires at least 80% humidity whereas the Indian just needs a daily misting. A good tip for maintaining humidity levels is to have damp peat as the substrate (flooring).

There are some species, such as the Haaniella grayii, that require a water bowl so make sure you know your pet’s requirements. One funny thing abou the Haaniella is that it may actually leave it’s head in the water, which is no problem since they breath through their abs not their noses (well to be scientifically precise through their thoracic and abdominal spiracles). That said do not have deep water bowls as drowning is a risk.

Feeding
Sticks insects are herbivores, and many get on just fine with a diet of blackberry/bramble and privet, but it is important that these are untreated plants, and not polluted by car fumes. One way to go is to grow your own so that you always have a fresh supply to hand that you know hasn’t been treated with pesticides. There are some species of insect, such as the Thorn Legged stick insect (Eurycantha calcarata), that will also enjoy eating oak plants so it is important to check the dietary requirements of the species you choose.

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