New Guinea Spiny Stick Insect
Eurycantha calcarata
These New Guinea Giant Spiny Stick Insects grow large reaching up to 15cm (6 inches). Males have a large spike present on the hind legs - this can be painful if fingers are accidentally in the way!
What do New Guinea Spiny Stick Insects look like?
We personally think this species of Stick Insect looks a bit scary. Males have a large spike on the rear legs, when threatened, they hold up their abdomen and legs. The legs are quickly closed to trap/injury predators or fingers - this can be painful!
They are wingless, shiny brown with small spikes running along the body. Adult females measure 12.5-15cm (5-6”) and weigh 20g, males are smaller at 10.5-12cm (4-5”).
Where are New Guinea Spiny Stick Insects from?
They are found in trees and shrubs in the rain forest of the Papua New Guinea. During the day, they are found hiding/sleeping beneath bark and leaf matter. They are active at night and will come out to feed.
Are New Guinea Spiny Stick Insects easy to keep?
Most species of Stick Insects are easy to keep and the New Guineas are no exception.
We would recommend using the Aquazoo 6 for one adult pair; Nymphs can be placed in smaller Aquazoo Tanks while growing. Use soil or sand covered with leaf litter for the flooring. Provide this species with hides, we use Cork Bark but other Reptile hides can be used too. A temperature of 23-29C (74-85F) should be provided with the use of a heat mat on one side of the enclosure. A humidity of 70% is required, spraying lightly each day or placing a shallow dish of water over the heat mat can maintain this. This species needs a water supply, but ensure they cannot drown in it!
Feeding the New Guinea Sticks is very easy, we have listed all the foods plants this species has been known to eat; bramble (blackberry), hawthorn, apple, pear, cherry, oak, beech, may, alder, hazel, elm, rowan, knotweed, sorrel, vine, and species of Cotoneaster, Rhododendron, Croton and Tradescantia.
Place the food stems in a glass jar with water, this will keep the food plant fresh. Change the food every 2-3 days or when eaten.
Do Your Research: Before you commit to buying any pet, please do your own independent research.
Link to this page:
http://exotic-pets.co.uk/giant-spiny-stick-insect.html
