Stick insect diet?

[Yulian]

I have been curious about starting to keep stick insects but everywhere I look the care sheets only list the same feeder plants over and over again for basically any species. Plants like bramble, blackberry, hazel, oak, ivy etc. But none of those plants grow in Puerto rico... and feeding them rose bushes is kind of an expensive diet XD. Are there any other feeder plants that can be used? Specifically any plants that grow commonly in tropical climates like mango trees? Romain lettuce? Or any other diet easily accesible? Thanks in advance!

 

[schmiggle]

Rubus rosifolius grows as a weed in Puerto rico, so that's a good place to start if you can find it, given that I've read that most species like Rubus. However, it's largely dependent on what species you'll have. If you collect it wild, use the tree you found it on, if you can, until you can identify. If you're not planning to do that, do you know which species you plan on getting?

Additionally, it's worth noting that if they eat plants as taxonomically distant as blackberry, ivy and oak, there's a good chance they'll eat most angiosperms that aren't too well defended chemically.

 

[Yulian]

This looks pretty similar to rubus rosifolius but im pretty sure its not as I've never seen it flower and the leaves are a little off. I really like Extatosoma tiaratum as its kind of like the classic pet stick insect but I really dont have my mind set on any particular species until I know I can provide their dietary needs. Theres lots of vegetation near my house but I cant really say i know the names of any of them theres an avocado tree in my yard and an annona reticulata tree too. I know theres native species of phasmids around but in my entire life I've only seen one so i dont think I'll find any natives XD

 

[Salmonsaladsandwich]

Some species are quite fond of eucalyptus and acacia, assuming you have that growing in your area. In particular eucalyptus is the natural foodplant of E. tiaratum.

 

[Yulian]

Eucalyptus trees arent that common here which is a bummer Ive been reading that the natural diet of phyllium bioculatum consists of mango and guava. I have access to mango trees, can anyone confirm?

 

[Salmonsaladsandwich]

Well if you can get your hands on a eucalyptus sapling or two and plant them they grow unbelievably fast.

 

[Andee]

I know most species eat guavas, especially the species that are labelled nymph in their non-scientific names or giant species, some species will eat mango but I think it's less wide spread than guava, hope it helps!