Spiny Leaf Insect – Male

Spiny leaf insects are leaf mimicking phasmids found in the sub tropic and tropical forests on the East coast of Australia.

Spiny leaf insects are leaf mimicking phasmids found in the sub tropic and tropical forests on the East coast of Australia. Adult males achieve a length of approximately 12 – 14 cm and can occur in a range of colour forms from straw / white /  brown / orange / dark brown or under the right conditions they can develop a combination of colours (called a ‘lichen’ form). The most common form looks and is coloured like a dead leaf. Adult males develop wings and will fly short distances if disturbed, agitated or looking for a mate. Spiny leaf insects are a good beginner/intermediate stick insect. They are tolerant of a range of conditions and they feed on a variety of native plants including (but not limited to) Syzygium (lily pilly), Agonis (weeping myrtle) and Eucalyptus (gum). A male spiny leaf insect will take approximately 4 – 5 months to reach maturity and will live for between 8 – 12 months as an adult.