There are animals in pet shops that you might not see at first, or even second or third glance. They blend in so well to their surroundings that they are barely visible to the untrained eye. This unique camouflage protects them from predators in the wild. The experts from specialty chain Fressnapf profile the stick insect.

Stick insects belong to the Phasmatodea order, which comes from the Greek word “phasma” meaning apparition or phantom, from their unusual appearance. Some species are similar to grasshoppers and look like sticks, which is how they got their common name. But if you're thinking about keeping stick insects as pets, you don’t have to worry about them jumping away – unlike grasshoppers, these masters of disguise can’t jump. On the contrary – these large insects move sedately. Stick insects grow to an average of eight to twelve centimetres, which is quite respectable for an insect.
Stick insects are well suited to terrarium beginners and those who want to start gradually. They are easy to care for, depending on the species. Their natural life expectancy is usually not more than a year and males usually only live three to five months, and they are also relatively inexpensive in terms of equipment and care. And what does a stick insect need? You can keep most stick insects in a normal terrarium or a wire cage with a wooden frame at least 40 cm high. As their natural habitat is tropical or subtropical, these insects like it relatively warm. Room temperature (25 degrees during the day and 20 degrees overnight) is sufficient for many species. Spray the terrarium plants, the substrate or even the animal itself regularly with water for the required air moisture. Stick insects’ diet consists solely of plant matter. They love leaves from blackberry plants, as well as raspberries, roses, beeches or oaks.

The females of some stick insect species can reproduce without being fertilised by a male. This means that pet owners may find eggs on or under the ground, or on décor, from which offspring will hatch after a while. If you do not want to have baby insects, change the substrate regularly and freeze it overnight before disposal.
Which stick insects are suitable to keep as pets? Stick insects come in a variety of species and shapes, from the long, thin stick insects and walking leaf-like creatures through to giant spiny stick insects. Beginners should start with animals that don’t require any special diet or care. These include the common (or Indian) stick insect, the thorny stick insect, the Vietnamese spiny stick insect or the green or pink-winged stick insect.


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Well camouflaged Stick insects are masters of disguise and make interesting terrarium pets. Photo: Maxi Zoo/Ulrike Schanz (Photos may only be reproduced with permission and in connection with editorial text. High-resolution photos can be requested from the Fressnapf press office.)