Stick and leaf insects (also known as Phasmids) are nature’s masters of disguise. At least 6000 species occur worldwide, of which around 300 species have been reared in captivity. In the wild, stick and leaf insects are found on every continent except Antarctica, although most occur across tropical and sub-tropical latitudes.Stick and leaf insects (also known as Phasmids) are nature’s masters of disguise. At least 6000 species occur worldwide, of which around 300 species have been reared in captivity. In the wild, stick and leaf insects are found on every continent except Antarctica, although most occur across tropical and sub-tropical latitudes.

Generally, stick insects have narrow, cylindrical bodies, whereas leaf insects have thin, flat body shapes that closely resemble foliage. The diversity of both groups is astounding, and individual species vary greatly in shape, size and colour. 

All stick and leaf insects are herbivores. Most species are defenceless and rely on their (often remarkable) camouflage for protection from enemies. Some species of stick insects do have spines on their limbs and bodies, others can spray smelly liquids, or release toxic secretions, or flash brightly coloured wings to startle attackers. A few species have enlarged, spine-like spurs on their rear legs which they can use as defensive weapons against attackers. 

Stick and leaf insects make fascinating pets. Watch the video below and take a look at the downloadable caresheet for further details!

 

Download the Caresheet

The following are strongly recommended as ethical suppliers of livestock based in the UK with fantastic ranges of weird and wonderful pets:

 

Martin French

BugzUK

www.bugzuk.com

 

Graham Smith

Metamorphosis

www.metamorphosis.gb.com

 

Peregrine Livefoods

www.peregrine-livefoods.co.uk

 

Reptiles Plus

www.reptilesplus.co.uk

 

Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm

www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

 

ALSO CONSIDER JOINING THE FOLLOWING SOCIETIES:

 

The Amateur Entomologists’ Society and The Bug Club

www.amentsoc.org

 

The Phasmid Study Group

www.phasmidstudygroup.org

 

The Royal Entomological Society

www.royensoc.co.uk

 

Know any other suppliers or societies that we should include here? Please contact the Weird and Wonderful Pets team by emailing sales@redfernnaturalhistory.com 

 

Download the Caresheet