THORNY STICK INSECT

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Aretaon sp.
Adult Size: Approx. 8–12 cm | Activity: Mainly nocturnal

📏 SIZE

• Adults can reach approximately 8–12 cm.
• Females are generally larger than males.
• Nymphs are small and delicate.

🏠 HOUSING

• Tall, secure enclosure with excellent ventilation.
• Minimum adult enclosure: approx. 30 × 30 × 45 cm.
• Provide plenty of branches for climbing and resting.
• The enclosure must allow the insect to hang vertically for moulting.
• Avoid overcrowding.

🌡️ TEMPERATURE

• Aim for around 18–24°C.
• Normal household temperatures are generally suitable.
• Avoid prolonged temperatures above 26°C.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and radiators.

💡 LIGHTING

• UVB is not essential.
• Normal room lighting is sufficient.
• Provide a natural day/night cycle.
• Avoid bright lighting directly over the enclosure.

💧 HUMIDITY

• Aim for approximately 60–75%.
• Lightly mist the enclosure regularly.
• Allow some ventilation and drying between mistings.
• Avoid a constantly saturated enclosure.

🌿 FOOD

• Feed fresh, pesticide-free leaves.
• Suitable foods include bramble, raspberry, rose, hawthorn and oak, depending on the species.
• Provide fresh food at all times.
• Place cut stems in a secure water container to keep leaves fresh.
• Prevent insects from falling into the water.

💦 WATER

• Thorny Stick Insects obtain most of their moisture from their food and misting.
• Light misting provides drinking droplets.
• No deep water bowl is required.

🐚 SHEDDING

• Young stick insects moult several times as they grow.
• They may stop eating and become less active before moulting.
• Provide plenty of clear vertical space.
• Never handle a stick insect while it is moulting.
• A failed moult can cause serious injury or death.

🤲 HANDLING

• Handle very gently and only when necessary.
• Encourage the insect to walk onto your hand.
• Never pull or grab the legs, abdomen or body.
• Nymphs are particularly fragile.
• Avoid handling immediately before or after a moult.

❤️ HEALTH

• Healthy insects should have good grip, normal movement and a strong feeding response.
• Difficulty climbing, damaged limbs or repeated failed moults may indicate a problem.
• Ensure suitable humidity, fresh food and adequate space.
• Remove dead or severely damaged individuals promptly.

🧹 CLEANING

• Remove droppings and old leaves regularly.
• Replace dirty substrate when necessary.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and household cleaning sprays.
• Keep the enclosure well ventilated and hygienic.

🏡 BEFORE YOU BRING YOUR ANIMAL HOME

✓ Tall, secure enclosure
✓ Excellent ventilation
✓ Plenty of climbing branches
✓ Clear moulting space
✓ Fresh, pesticide-free food plant
✓ Temperature checked and stable
✓ Hygrometer installed
✓ Safe water containers for food stems

⚠️ IMPORTANT BITS

• Never use leaves that may have been treated with pesticides.
• Always provide enough height for the insect to hang freely during moulting.
• Stick insects are fragile and can easily lose legs if handled roughly.
• Keep fresh food available at all times.
• Replace food regularly to prevent mould.
• Different stick insect species have different permitted food plants — confirm the species before introducing new plants.