Everything You Want to Know About Keeping Phasmids as Pets

A Guide to Phasmids as Pets

Every child has at one point been enamored by the idea of insects that do not look like insects—leaves that are alive, blades of grass that can move, bits of bark with a set of legs, and the all-time favorite in first-grade classrooms, walking sticks!

These six-legged wonders are from the order Phasmatodea, but we in the circles of Arthropod husbandry refer to them simply as Phasmids. They are a delightful bunch of insects that make excellent pets and are fascinating on many levels.

What Are Phasmids?

Phasmids are closely related to grasshoppers and crickets, which can be noticed by their similar head shape and compound eyes. But unlike their cousins, they do not make noise, and they are strictly herbivores, meaning they eat leaves primarily. Many phasmids will, however, devour their old skin after they molt as an added boost of nutrients that they will benefit from in their new, soft body. Gross but efficient!

They like a warm, humid environment, which is why most of them live in the heavily-forested tropics of Asia, South America, and Australia. There are over 3,000 species of phasmids on the planet, with approximately 150 living in Australia. About 30 are even found right here in the United States, perhaps in your backyard!

Exaggerated Sexual Dimorphism

Phasmids are interesting because they display such exaggerated sexual dimorphism (that is, the ladies and gents look very different from one another). The females are nearly always much larger than the male, sometimes two or three times as large! The males are slim and usually equipped with wings, while the females only possess stunted flaps and are mostly flightless.

Reproduction (Parthenogenesis)

Phasmids are of great interest to scientists because they are parthenogenic, meaning that a female is able to produce offspring without ever meeting a male in her life. However, the eggs produced by parthenogenic mothers are always female, and they are exact copies of their sole parent. In fact, in the case of the Indian stick insect (Carausius morosus), there has never been a documented male of the species in captivity.

5 Different Types of Phasmids

The Indian walking sticks that we are all familiar with seem to be the typical phasmid shape and size; however, there are countless species of much larger and much stranger phasmids from all across the globe. These species include:

1. Phobaeticus chani (Chan's Megastick)

This type was only just discovered in the jungles of Borneo in 2008. It has since been described as the longest insect living on our planet. One specimen, held in the Natural History Museum in London, measures almost two feet in length from the tip of the abdomen to the tip of the antennae, with 14.1 of those inches being the body. Being that it is such a new species to science, little is known of its habits.

2. Extatosoma tiaratum (Giant Prickly Stick Insect)

This type is a delightful crawler from Australia and New Guinea with a tendency to curl its abdomen over its back. Like all phasmids, they are harmless, and the curly "tail" is often perceived as being cute by onlookers. The males of this species have the ability to release a smell when they are threatened, but you may find it to be rather appealing—it smells like peanut butter or toffee!

3. Heteropteryx dilatata (the Malaysian Jungle Nymph)

This is my personal favorite. The females of this species are the heaviest of all the phasmids, and they can grow to a hefty 65 grams. They are a beautiful, flashy green, while the males are more subdued in all ways, and they're usually brown. These phasmids love to chow down on blackberry leaves and English ivy, and when they feel threatened, they raise their back legs up in the air in a handstand display.

4. Phyllium giganteum (the Great Walking Leaf)

This type possesses arguably the most impressive leaf mimicry in the animal kingdom. The individual leaf bugs can have smooth, green edges so as to appear like a clean, new leaf, or they may have tattered, slightly browned edges to make them look like a weathered leaf.

Some leaf bugs may even have false bite marks on their side to look even more like a piece of foliage. These are another phasmid species where, in captivity, a male has never been witnessed.

Recommended

Golden Retriever Puppy's Epic Showdown with White Cat Has Viral Written All Over It

Dec 10, 2024 4:30 PM EST

5. Achrioptera fallax

These are found throughout Madagascar, and they are unique amongst phasmids in that the males are the ones that are more noticeable. The male Achrioptera is a sight to behold, with remarkable color that makes him immediately identifiable even among those who are not experts.

Hues of electric blue, reflections of green, flashes of red, and bright orange wings mark him as one of the most beautiful of all phasmids and, indeed, among the most stunning of all insects.

Phasmids as Pets

Though perhaps unusual in comparison to a dog or a cat, phasmids have proven to be rewarding pets due to their simplistic care requirements and fun behavior. I have yet to meet someone who has not found it curious watching a phasmid devour an entire leaf in less than a minute or smile as a phasmid wiggled back and forth to mimic a leaf swaying in the wind.

As far as insects go, they are fairly long-lived; many females sometimes living to be three years. Unimposing and beautiful, phasmids provide a touch of exoticism and a taste of nature to any modern home or apartment.

What Type of Environment Do Phasmids Require?

Many phasmids, such as Carausius morosus, require only the most modest of living quarters, and they can survive for endless generations in a Kritter Keeper filled with blackberry bush clippings. Others, such as the Extatosoma tiaratum, require larger houses and higher humidity. All do best at temperatures of at least 70 F. and benefit from a continuous supply of fresh greenery to munch on.

Blackberry bush (bramble), oak, privet, hawthorn, and English ivy are all excellent foods for phasmids, but some may favor one type or the other. For example, Heteropteryx dilatata frequently enjoys English ivy, but Extatosoma tiaratum snubs it.

Am I Allowed to Keep a Phasmid as a Pet?

In Europe, the keeping of phasmids is quite popular, and it often goes hand-in-hand with the keeping of reptiles and other unusual exotics. Due to the ever-restrictive pet laws in North America, however, many of these beautiful insects are prohibited from being imported into the U.S.

But restrictions are rarely enforced within the country, and there remain many successful breeders throughout the states. Phasmid owners and producers can be quite secretive about their whereabouts and collection, and it is best to treat them with respect and confidentiality.

Where Can I Get a Phasmid?

If you are interested in locating phasmid breeders, it's best to start looking in groups of reptile breeders first. Many times they are one and the same, and their target audience is side by side. Attending reptile shows in your area will oftentimes bring you face-to-face with these delightfully amazing creatures, as well as any supplies you may need to care for them. Good luck, and happy leaf hunting!

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

Comments

Shaddie (author) from Washington state on July 09, 2015:

Oh wow, it's rare that I get to meet another phasmid keeper here on HP! The link you sent me doesn't seem to be working though :(

Shaddie (author) from Washington state on March 19, 2015:

Thanks so much! They really make great pets :)

Gable Rhoads from North Dakota on April 28, 2013:

Fascinating! I never thought of a phasmid as a pet.

Shaddie (author) from Washington state on April 24, 2012:

Well they sound fun, regardless! You could send any pictures you'd like to my e.mail (Shaddiewolf@hotmail.com). There are so many leaf and stick bugs out there, it's cool to see someone else getting into the hobby :)

Melissa A Smith from New York on April 23, 2012:

The common name is Andaman Islands Stick Insect, not sure why the scientific name doesn't show up, lol. It's cute, I saw a cute bug and bought it. I got them from a reptile expo, I have the email of the vendor. Was hoping he had the bigger ones (Extatosoma tiaratum) but this is what he had this time. How should I send the pictures?

Shaddie (author) from Washington state on April 23, 2012:

Did you order them or did they come from an expo or store? I'm very curious now. I'd love to see pictures of them if you take any :)

Melissa A Smith from New York on April 23, 2012:

Yes, I love their weird little faces, there's about 9 of them. Hmm, that's weird. I wrote what was on the cup, but yeah they are stick bugs, it says they come from India. They are all so cute.

Shaddie (author) from Washington state on April 23, 2012:

You're kidding! I've never seen a schultei in person and do not know of anyone in my area breeding any. You are very lucky!

I am unfamiliar with "Screptrophasma hispidulus" though. Does it have a more common name?

Melissa A Smith from New York on April 23, 2012:

Got Peruphasma schultei and Screptrophasma hispidulus today!

Janie on April 05, 2012:

these bugs are really interesting, my cousin has some and they looked creepy to me but it seems like they are nice after all!

Melissa A Smith from New York on January 25, 2012:

Omg you've just convinced me. They sell large ones at the reptile show and I've always had to turn them down because of the egg thing, but screw that. I'm getting one! My mom hates you, lol.

Shaddie (author) from Washington state on January 24, 2012:

Also, a lot of them are in high demand as pets depending on what type (especially Heteropteryx dilatata). If you ever find yourself with an abundance of them, there are assuredly people out there who would be interested in buying some off of you.

Shaddie (author) from Washington state on January 24, 2012:

With the extatosoma tiaratum I have raised, about 20 to 30% usually reach adulthood, they are very delicate in the beginning and can fall prey to a number of mysterious ailments. The females can lay viable eggs, but you can just locate and toss them if you don't want to end up raising an army of bugs :P

Melissa A Smith from New York on January 24, 2012:

How many of yours reach adulthood? Since they can lay fertile eggs, I would imagine that the population would get large rather quickly...

Shaddie (author) from Washington state on January 24, 2012:

The babies have a high rate of mortality unfortunately, in an egg mass containing 100 eggs, it's often very likely than only 20 will survive. But it's the same way in the wild and there is only so much you can do to help them along!

Babies can be kept in tupperware containers with a few holes poked on the sides until they are large enough to be kept in cages with mesh lids. My favorite way to keep babies are in large glass terrariums with Saran wrap stretched over the top and lots of holes poked into it. They can't seem to get a good grip on the Saran wrap, especially when they're upsidedown, so they don't escape out of the holes.

Melissa A Smith from New York on January 23, 2012:

They are so cute it hurts. But what to do with all the babies :(

Shaddie (author) from Washington state on December 15, 2011:

They do look "out of this world" don't they? :)

Cindy A Johnson from Sevierville, TN on December 15, 2011: