Macleays Spectre Stick Insects

Latin name:  Extatosoma tiaratum

Commonly known as the spiny leafed insect, these Australian stick insects (closely related to the Popa stick insect, extatosoma popa, from New Guinea) live in rainforests, adopting both passive and active camouflage (movement/swaying like leaves in the wind and their leaf or bark-like colouring).

Females do no have large enough wings to fly, especially when gravid, and are generally larger and more rounded. Males, however, do have longer wings and are able to fly in search of females or if disturbed. They are also thinner and smaller than the females and look more stick-like than leaf-like.

Handling information: Easy to handle but handle gently.

Cleaning information:  Take out old looking, dry, eaten bramble sticks/leaves. Ensure sprayed at least once a day as this is how they get their water. Ensure there is enough fresh bramble for the amount in the enclosure at the time. Clean soil of eggs (when laying) and faeces, ensure soil is sprayed as well.