Invertebrate · Stick insect
Giant prickly stick insect care guide
Extatosoma tiaratum
The giant prickly stick insect is a beginner-level stick insect from Eastern Australia, New Guinea. Adults reach Body 12–20 cm (female) and live 1–1.5 years in captivity. Small groups. Needs tall space for moulting.
- Enclosure 45 × 45 × 60 cm
- Temp 22–27°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a giant prickly stick insect cost in Canada?
Giant prickly stick insect quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- Body 12–20 cm (female)
- Lifespan
- 1–1.5 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Eastern Australia, New Guinea
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 4 can share; add about 30% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 22–27°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Herbivore – eucalyptus, bramble, oak, rose
- Bioactive style
- Arboreal insect
Giant prickly stick insect enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 inches). Up to 4 can share; add about 30% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a arboreal insect bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Premium Coconut Fiber5 cm
A thin, moisture-holding floor layer keeps humidity up. Leave at least twice the insect’s length of clear space below perches for moulting.
Temperature: 22–27°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a giant prickly stick insect eat?
Herbivore – eucalyptus, bramble, oak, rose. Keep fresh food plant cuttings available and mist lightly most days.
Handling, temperament & health
Docile and handleable; may curl the abdomen defensively.
Health watch: Falls during the final moults if the enclosure lacks height.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist lightly (species dependent) and check food plants are fresh.
Weekly
- Replace food plants; remove frass and old leaves.
Monthly
- Wipe mesh and check for mites.
Yearly
- Replace the floor layer between generations.
Recommended for a giant prickly stick insect bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 45 × 60 cm).
Giant prickly stick insect FAQ
Is the giant prickly stick insect good for beginners?
Yes – the giant prickly stick insect is a good choice for beginners. Docile and handleable; may curl the abdomen defensively.
What size enclosure does a giant prickly stick insect need?
At least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (about 18 × 18 × 24 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 4 can share; add about 30% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a giant prickly stick insect cost in Canada?
Typically $15–40 CAD to buy, about $160–300 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $30–60 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a giant prickly stick insect need?
Temperature: 22–27°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a giant prickly stick insect eat?
Herbivore – eucalyptus, bramble, oak, rose. Keep fresh food plant cuttings available and mist lightly most days.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.