Thai Beauty Stick Insect

Thai Beauty Stick Insect

Scientific name: Sungaya inexpectata
Common names: Thai Beauty Stick Insect, Sungaya Stick Insect
Adult size: Around 8–10 cm
Lifespan: Around 12–18 months

🏡 Housing

• Tall, well-ventilated enclosure with plenty of climbing space.
• Minimum around 30 × 30 × 45 cm for a small group.
• Provide branches and twigs for climbing and moulting.
• Keep securely covered — they are excellent climbers.

🌡️ Temperature

• 20–26°C is suitable.
• Normal household temperatures are generally fine.
• Avoid prolonged temperatures above 28°C.

💧 Humidity

• Around 60–75% humidity.
• Light misting once daily or as required.
• Good ventilation is important to prevent mould.

🌿 Food

• Mainly bramble/blackberry and other suitable pesticide-free leaves.
• Raspberry, rose, oak and hawthorn can also be accepted.
• Provide fresh leaves regularly and remove wilted foliage.

🥚 Breeding

• Females can produce eggs without males.
• Eggs are dropped onto the enclosure floor and can be collected for incubation.
• Young nymphs should have plenty of fresh, tender foliage.

🤲 Handling

• Can be handled gently, but they are delicate.
• Never grab by the legs or body.
• Encourage them to walk onto your hand rather than picking them up.

⚠️ Important Bits

• Never use pesticide-treated plants.
• Always provide enough vertical space for a complete moult.
• Do not disturb an insect while it is moulting.
• Keep away from direct sunlight, heaters and strong draughts.
• Best kept in a small group rather than singly.