Leaf & Stick Insects (Phasmids) Quick Beginner Guide

Leaf and stick insects—collectively called phasmids—are some of Australia’s most incredible masters of disguise. Their survival depends on camouflage, and their visual adaptations are truly next-level: leaf insects mimic living foliage right down to the veins, bite marks, and colour variations, while stick insects sway gently to replicate the movement of branches in the wind. Many can regenerate lost limbs as long as they still have moults remaining, and some, like Spiny Leaf Insects, can even dramatically change colour in response to their environment. Individuals surrounded by white, lichen-covered branches can develop a pale “lichen morph” that looks almost unreal.

They are gentle, low-maintenance pets with fascinating behaviours, but they are not interactive animals. Handling is possible, but it is purely for our enjoyment—phasmids don’t benefit from “play time” and generally find it mildly stressful.

Below is an updated and expanded introduction to phasmid care, followed by three species-specific summaries.

General Care Guide for Most Phasmids

Enclosure Size & Setup

Phasmids require enclosure height at minimum three times their body length and width at least twice their length—but bigger is always better, especially for moulting. They need room to hang upside-down, stretch out, and drop into a successful shed. Insufficient vertical space is one of the top causes of failed moults.

Young nymphs (babies) often require higher humidity and less ventilation than adults to prevent dehydration, but still must have some airflow to prevent mould.

Provide branches, fresh foliage, and multiple climbing areas. Tall mesh enclosures, netted pop-up cages, or modified tubs with ventilation holes are ideal.

Humidity, Water & Temperature

Phasmids do not drink from bowls—they hydrate by drinking droplets from leaves after misting. This makes misting essential, not optional.

Recommended general conditions:

• Temperature: 18–26°C

• Humidity: moderate to high, depending on species

• Watering: mist daily or every second day

Babies often need more frequent misting. Proper humidity supports successful moulting and prevents dehydration.

Diet

Diet varies by species, but Australian species commonly eat:

• Eucalyptus species

• Acacia

• Lilly pilly (especially important for Monteithi)

• Certain native shrubs

Replace foliage every few days and ensure it is clean and fresh. Monteithi (Australian Leaf Insects) in particular should not be fed eucalyptus as their main diet—they specialise in lilly pilly.

Handling

Phasmids can be handled gently, but they do not enjoy it. Handling is for you—not the insect.

• Always let them step onto your hand; never grab.

• Support their entire body.

• Avoid handling during pre-moult or post-moult periods.

Too much stress can lead to dropped legs or failed moults.

Moulting Requirements

Phasmids hang upside-down during moulting, slowly sliding out of their old skin. Any disturbance can cause deformities or even death.

Key moulting requirements:

• Ample vertical space

• Proper humidity

• Clean, sturdy branches

• Minimal disturbances

• Safe, smooth surfaces

Poor moults are the leading cause of death, especially in young nymphs. A missing leg can be regenerated if enough moults remain, but severe moulting failures often cannot be reversed.

Eggs, Reproduction & Genetic Diversity

Most phasmids simply drop their eggs to the ground. Incubation time varies, sometimes taking many months.

Phasmids can reproduce through:

• Mating (sexual reproduction)

• Parthenogenesis (cloning)

Parthenogenesis produces genetically identical clones, and while it is useful as a survival strategy, it is not ideal long-term. Over generations, it can lead to weak lines, lower fertility, and increased deformities. I personally prefer to pair females with males to maintain genetic diversity. While some keepers believe it doesn’t matter, we have decades of evidence in many animal species showing that reduced genetic variation eventually causes issues.

Males retain the ability to fly so they can locate females, while females are heavier-bodied and often too heavy to fly well—or at all.

Defence Mechanisms & Scent

Phasmids have mild chemical defenses similar to stink bugs. Each species produces a slightly different scent:

• Monteithi (Australian Leaf Insects): smell surprisingly like Jatz crackers.

• Spiny Leaf Insects: release a caramel or butterscotch-like scent.

• Titans: have a musky scent I can’t pin point I shouldn’t like it but I do I think it is one of those scents that you like because its nostalgic these can be the smelliest stick insects as adults. They also rely on visual startle displays using their wings.

These scents are meant to deter predators—but clearly don’t work well on humans.

Species-Specific Mini Guides

Australian Leaf Insect (Walaphyllium monteithi)

Natural Habitat:
Native to Far North Queensland in humid rainforest environments.

Updated Care Notes:
• Diet should be almost entirely lilly pilly, with eucalyptus only as a rare optional taste.
• Requires higher humidity and daily misting.
• Males are slender and capable of flight; females have wings but are too heavy to fly.
• Known for their extremely realistic leaf mimicry.
• Produce a mild scent that smells like Jatz biscuits.
• Excellent display species but more delicate during moulting.

Spiny Leaf Insect (Extatosoma tiaratum)

Natural Habitat:
Found primarily in Far North Queensland, not widespread across all of eastern Australia as commonly mentioned.

Updated Care Notes:
• Hardy and ideal for beginners.
• Females are large, spiky, and wingless—spikes serve as defence.
• Males are slim and fully winged, able to fly short distances.
• Can develop an amazing lichen morph when kept with pale, lichen-covered branches.
• Produce a sweet caramel-like defensive scent.
• Wide diet range—eucalyptus, raspberry, blackberry, and some acacia.

Titan Stick Insect (Acrophylla titan)

Natural Habitat:
Native to eastern Australia, especially in bushland and coastal forests.

Updated Care Notes:
• Very large species—requires tall enclosure with lots of climbing structure.
• Males and females both have wings; males fly, females do not.
• Wings display black and violet flashes when startled.
• Far more colourful than they appear at a distance: mint greens, pale blues, pink-orange accents, and purple-tipped spines.
• Mimic whole branches rather than twigs due to their impressive size and bulk.
• Moderate humidity preferred—avoid overly wet setups to reduce mould risk.

Conclusion

Phasmids are peaceful, fascinating insects that reward observation more than interaction. Their camouflage, unique behaviours, defensive scents, and ability to regenerate limbs make them unlike any other pet. Now that you know their general needs and have quick overviews of Monteithi, Spiny Leaf Insects, and Titans, you can explore the rest of our site for detailed care guides, shop updates, and more bug-related information. Don’t forget to check out our other informative topics, including isopods, springtails, general care, and future species we plan to introduce.