In nature, survival hinges on adaptation and resourcefulness-two things the walking stick species have mastered very well. Just as any other insect, these masters of disguise have to find sustenance in order to survive in the wild. These fascinating creatures, found all over the world except Antarctica, can make great pets for the right owner. Known as walking stick insects or phasmids, these unique pets offer a captivating glimpse into nature.
A member of the order Phasmida or Phasmatodea, “walking sticks” are also commonly referred to as walking stick bugs, stick insects, or stick bugs. This long cylindrical bug gets its name from its ability to camouflage or mimic the appearance of sticks, twigs, branches, and even leaves in their natural habitat. This insect has a small square head with long antennae and six slender legs. Nicknamed the “giant walking stick,” this insect is known to be practically imperceptible from their environment when they stop moving.
With over 3,000 species of walking stick bugs, these pests can be found practically everywhere except Antarctica. Among the vast array of walking stick species, one of the unifying characteristics that binds them together is their shared dietary preference as herbivores, or insects that eat only plants.
Natural Diet of Stick Bugs
Stick bugs eat almost exclusively leaves. Stick bugs eat a diet that consists almost entirely of leaves. They are strictly herbivores and eat the leaves of locally abundant foliage. There are over 3,000 species of stick bug, and each one has its own preference for leafy meals.
In the wild, stick insects will eat almost any readily available, non-toxic leaf. Unlike grasshoppers, they cannot digest toxic food. Stick bugs primarily feed on leaves, with a preference for oak leaves. Oak trees are very common in the United States, making oak leaves a popular food choice.
Read also: Deep Dive into Skincare Formulation
Wild stick bugs are found on every continent except Antarctica and prefer tropical and semi-tropical forests full of foliage. Stick bugs eat whatever leaves are most abundant, available, and non-toxic. In the wild, adult stick bugs are mostly nocturnal. They prefer to eat their greens in the dark, when it’s harder for other creatures to see them.
When it comes time to eat, walking stick insects use their strong mandibles to consume their favorite leafy greens. This feature is quite remarkable, containing impressive mouthparts that have been adapted to consume plant matter.
Preferred Leaves in the Wild
- Oak Leaves: A popular food choice, especially in regions where oak trees are abundant.
- Bramble Leaves: Compared to oak leaves, bramble leaves stay green all year long, providing a consistent source of food and nutrition. This evergreen climbing or ground-creeping plant is readily available in wooded areas and offers multiple varieties to choose from such as blackberries, raspberries, and roses.
- Ivy: For wild walking sticks, they tend to prefer English ivy, German ivy, Irish ivy, North African ivy, and even Persian ivy-all “true ivies” belonging to the genus Hedera.
- Privet: Privet stays green year-round and is easy to find. A privet is shrub (found in the wild in Europe east to Asia) and is typically listed as a invasive species.
Dietary Needs of Pet Stick Bugs
Many people keep pet stick bugs because of their exotic looks. Some species get very large, over twenty inches long for some, and some have unique colors and patterns that make them appealing pets. Stick insects as pets can range in length from a few inches to more than 1 foot from head to tail. Captive stick bugs will also happily eat leafy greens like lettuce.
Pet stick bugs eat many kinds of leaves, some of their favorites are: blackberry, bramble, oak, and rose leaves. They will also eat lettuce and other leafy greens. They are especially popular school pets because they are easy to take care of and have such a simple diet. Pet stick bugs can live up to three years. Captive stick bugs will not eat dead, or even old leaves. It is important that they be given a constant supply of fresh, non-toxic leaves.
Acceptable Food Sources for Captive Stick Bugs
- Bramble: Phasmids eat a variety of leaves, but most love blackberry leaves (bramble). Some species prefer others including oak, hawthorn, and raspberry.
- Lettuce: Yes, some species of stick insects can eat lettuce, but it is not a very nutritious food for them. Romaine lettuce tends to be a emergency food source for keepers, as it is available year round. Few phasmid species can survive eating it, but even if a species can and will eat it some individuals can starve or develop health problems and die (not all individuals can adjust to it).
- Other Fruits: Stick insects can eat a variety of fruits including apples, pears, bananas, and oranges.
Creating a Homemade Stick Insect Food
The most common thing for them to consume is plant matter. This can include anything from leaves to flowers, and even fruit. When it comes to buying food for your stick insects, you’ll want to make sure that you buy a high-quality, nutrient-rich product. Alternatively, flakey fish food works very well as a good source of affordable food these insects can get nutrition from.
Read also: Diet Secrets of a Gymnast
Feeding Habits and Tips
Most species of stick insects require feeding every one to three days, depending on their age and size. When it comes to feeding stick insects, timing is important. Young stick insects should be fed at least once a day, and adults should receive between one and three meals per week. Stick insects also require access to a freshwater source. Some species of stick insects can also drink from leaves that have been misted with water. It’s also important to remember that stick insects need some time to rest after eating.
A good feeding tip in that aspect is to offer your pets less food more often, and will save your bushes. The leaves/stems even if kept in a container of water dry out rather quickly, and no need to waste your limited food source.
Important Considerations for Feeding
- Freshness: Captive stick bugs will not eat dead, or even old leaves. It is important that they be given a constant supply of fresh, non-toxic leaves.
- Water Source: A daily misting of the cage with a spray bottle allows phasmids to drink from small water-droplets. They seem to find this easiest. It is best to avoid spraying the insect directly, because there is the small chance that it can lead to infections. Also, nymphs can drown in a small drop of water, so be careful that your spray-bottle produces a fine mist.
- Leaf Preparation: You can help them get a start, by cutting the edges of the food plant (see my Photos page for specific info.). This will help them to get at the juices, and also allows a good start for their small mouths. It is especially important to give them fresh leaves (even daily) in this stage, as they will have difficulty chewing through dried leaves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to feeding your stick insect, there are a few common mistakes you should be aware of and avoid.
- Toxic Foods: Unlike grasshoppers, they cannot digest toxic food.
- Dried Leaves: It is especially important to give them fresh leaves (even daily) in this stage, as they will have difficulty chewing through dried leaves.
- Deep Water Sources: Remember, phasmids breathe through spiracles; small holes lining either side of the abdomen. So try to prevent them from having any access to a deep water source (note: some species such as Eurycantha calcarata will drink from a small lid, on occasion).
Finding Food in Winter
I am looking to pick up a stick insect this week. I have done my reading and know the goto foods are oak leaves, rose leaves, berry bush leaves, and bramble leaves. However it is winter here in Iceland and some of those would be hard to find even in the summer here. I see that the pet store is feeding the sticks lettuce. Fears of pesticides aside is lettuce of any type a viable food source? Is there anything I can buy at the grocery store that would do the trick?
There are a few feeding options (check the plant species on the phasmids caresheets first), but the obvious answer is to continue to feed them Romaine lettuce. Visit any local greenhouse, nursery, garden centers, and related to see if there is any plants that you can buy for them as well. The other answer is to check wild plants in your area. I of course don't know your property, wooded areas, or such near you but look for evergreen plants that are still growing is a solution. If a plant is nearby cutting a few stems as needed (likely every few days) to feed your phasmids may be a option. The last option is to check your country and local laws and see if having plants or at least their leaves shipped to you is a option. It seems in some places that is a option and a way for them to make money, that is shipping phasmid keepers leaves (I've read it several times on UK forums).
Read also: The Hoxsey Diet
Alternative Food Sources
- Romaine Lettuce: Romaine lettuce tends to be a emergency food source for keepers, as it is available year round.
- Local Greenhouses: Visit any local greenhouse, nursery, garden centers, and related to see if there is any plants that you can buy for them as well.
- Evergreen Plants: The other answer is to check wild plants in your area. I of course don't know your property, wooded areas, or such near you but look for evergreen plants that are still growing is a solution.
Habitat and Environment
Stick insects need ample space to dangle from branches and carry out their natural behaviors. Stick insects as pets thrive in habitats that mimic their natural environment, making them happier and healthier.
Creating the Perfect Habitat for Stick Insects as Pets
Creating the ideal habitat is essential for keeping stick insects as pets. Their environment should cater to their natural behaviors, such as hanging upside down and molting.
- Size and Material: Stick insects require a spacious and breathable enclosure. The habitat should be at least 18 inches tall and nearly as wide to allow room for molting and movement. Avoid aquariums and opt for enclosures with fine mesh or window screening.
- Substrate: The bottom of the habitat should have a substrate to mimic natural conditions and absorb moisture. A well-maintained substrate helps regulate humidity and keeps the enclosure clean.
- Temperature and Humidity: Each species of stick insect has unique temperature and humidity requirements, so it’s crucial to research your specific species. Avoid placing the habitat in direct sunlight, as it can overheat and stress your pet.