What Kind of Cage Does a Stick Insect Need?
- All species of stick insect hang down from plants to shed when it's time to molt, so it's important that their cage is tall enough to give them space to hang. Stick insects climb up and do not spend much time on the ground, so the height of the enclosure is more important than the width. A cage that is at least three times as tall as an adult stick insect is long should give them adequate climbing and hanging space. If you are housing more than one insect in an enclosure, you need to provide space for all of them to move around and eat. Young stick insects, call nymphs, sometimes eat each other's limbs if they are overcrowded, and they won't always grow these missing limbs back.
- Stick insects need to be kept in temperatures ranging from 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep tropical species, such as the Tiaratum, at the higher end of that range and the Indian stick insect at the lower end. Keeping the cage in a room with a consistent temperature is the easiest way to maintain proper heat levels. You can also use a heating mat to warm the cage if necessary. This should be attached on the outside of a solid side, so that the insects cannot come into direct contact with it (as this could harm them). Including a light to simulate night and day cycles can also help heat the enclosure, but it must be fixed where the insects cannot come into contact with it. Use a smaller watt bulb if you are using a basking light, as these can make the cage too warm.
- One of the biggest differences between the species of stick insect is their tolerance to humidity. The Epidares nolimentangere needs around 80 percent humidity while the Carausius morosus can survive with around 40 percent. To maintain appropriate humidity levels without the cage becoming too damp, which can lead to mold problems, you need a cage with both proper ventilation and the ability to keep in moisture. For high humidity, use a cage that has solid walls and a solid floor, but includes an open air top, such as one made with mesh screen. For lower humidity, use a cage that has less solid sides and includes more mesh screen. You should also mist lightly on a daily basis to keep the moisture levels up. Stick insects will drink drops off of the food plants.
- Most species of stick insect eat bramble plants, though Indian stick insects also eat ivy plants and the giant spiny stick insect eats oak, eucalyptus and hawthorn plants. Check the specific needs of the species of insect you have to make sure you offer them the correct food. There should be enough room in the cage for them to access a food plant at all times. You can use a large cup or small pitcher filled with water as a base and stand the plant up within it to simulate a tree or shrub. Stick insects eat constantly throughout the day and need fresh food every day, so when the current plant begins to dry up or wilt, replace it with a new plant.
