Austrailian stick insect care tips

[basement pets]

I just bought three new Australian stick insects (Extatosoma tiaratum) and I was wondering if anybody had any care tips for me? Thanks.

 

[Dennis Nedry]

This guide is pretty good, keep in mind it’s from an Australian breeder so I assume you won’t have as ready access to Eucalyptus leaves
https://shop.minibeastwildlife.com....Wildlife Care Guide - Extatosoma tiaratum.pdf

Wikipedia lists some alternative foods breeders use outside Australia:
breeders abroad recommend feeding them bayberry, bramble, hawthorn, oak, photinia, raspberry, rose, and salmon berry (red or yellow).[2][3] Although they survive well on non Eucalypt leaves, they don't always grow as large or retain the same natural colour.[9]

 

[MasterOogway]

They feed very well on blackberry/bramble set in a cup of water. I've used old plastic salsa cups with a couple inches of gravel in the bottom, and then poke holes in the lids for the bramble to go through. Keep the nymphs moist with daily misting if your RH is low (it usually is in the wintertime). They need at least a daily mist, but also need adequate ventilation. Exo's with screen lids work really well for these guys. Replace bramble at least once a week, and make sure they have room to hang off of it and molt without running into the bottom of the tank or other pieces of bramble. Around 80F temperature wise and they'll thrive. Do you know what instar and sex ratios you have?

 

[basement pets]

I'm not sure what instar they are but they are around 1.5 inches long. I'm not sure if I have any males either.

 

[MasterOogway]

I'm not sure what instar they are but they are around 1.5 inches long. I'm not sure if I have any males either.

Can always post pics and we can probably figure it out, or at least give it a go. These guys are sexable at a relatively young age.

 

[Greasylake]

I was under the impression these weren't legal in the U.S. without a special permit, did the law change?

 

[Sarkhan42]

I was under the impression these weren't legal in the U.S. without a special permit, did the law change?

Nope, laws are still the same, but similar to large beetles and many regulated roaches you find them sold pretty often throughout the states, despite their legal state.

 

[MasterOogway]

Correct. All non-native phasmids are technically illegal to own.

 

[Salmonsaladsandwich]

What part of the country do you live in?

If you live up north it can be very difficult to find suitable leaves in winter. I collect oak leaves in summer freeze them and supplement with fresh bayberry leaves (sometimes evergreen) when I can find them.

 

[basement pets]

I live in the pacific northwest and there is usually blackberry bushes out.

 

[Salmonsaladsandwich]

I live in the pacific northwest and there is usually blackberry bushes out.

Ah ok, that's perfect. You have a much milder climate than most of the US.

 

[MasterOogway]

All that invasive European Blackberry is at least good for something up here! Never-ending supply of stick food.

 

[myrmecophile]

Ahh good anther post for fish and wildlife to focus on.

 

[MasterOogway]

Some of us work in institutions with APHIS permits I can't speak for everyone else here though...

 

[SonsofArachne]

Ahh good anther post for fish and wildlife to focus on.

Yeah, they really go after people with non-native sticks /s. Seriously I've avoided getting any due to the legality issues, but they're all over facebook and dealer websites like Underground Reptile have listed them. Starting to wonder what I was worried about.

 

[The Mantis Menagerie]

Ahh good anther post for fish and wildlife to focus on.

Actually, it is the USDA not the FWS that regulates Extatosoma tiaratum. This species is parthenogenetic and has the potential to become a serious agricultural pest, so please keep them contained. (I will admit, though, that the Pacific northwest is probably not a climate that would be the most conducive to this species becoming invasive.)

 

[myrmecophile]

Actually, it is the USDA not the FWS that regulates Extatosoma tiaratum. This species is parthenogenetic and has the potential to become a serious agricultural pest, so please keep them contained. (I will admit, though, that the Pacific northwest is probably not a climate that would be the most conducive to this species becoming invasive.)

I of course knew that it is USDA, that is what I get for being rushed when posting.

 

[The Mantis Menagerie]

I of course knew that it is USDA, that is what I get for being rushed when posting.

It is not a problem. I just want to make sure anyone reading this thread is not confused.

 

[myrmecophile]

It is not a problem. I just want to make sure anyone reading this thread is not confused.

Very glad you caught it.

 

[basement pets]

Ya I will make sure to never give any of the offspring away and I will not let any get out in to the wild either thanks.