Invertebrate · Stick insect
Giant spiny stick insect care guide
Eurycantha calcarata
The giant spiny stick insect is a intermediate-level stick insect from Papua New Guinea. Adults reach Body 12–15 cm and live 1.5–2 years in captivity. Ground-dwelling stick that needs bark hides and a damp substrate.
- Enclosure 45 × 30 × 45 cm
- Temp 22–28°C
- Humidity 70–80%
How much does a giant spiny stick insect cost in Canada?
Giant spiny stick insect quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- Body 12–15 cm
- Lifespan
- 1.5–2 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Papua New Guinea
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 30 × 45 cm (18 × 12 × 18 in, ≈ 16 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 4 can share; add about 30% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 22–28°C
- Humidity
- 70–80%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Herbivore – bramble, oak, guava, rose
- Bioactive style
- Arboreal insect
Giant spiny stick insect enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 30 × 45 cm (18 × 12 × 18 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 Fiber8 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: 22–28°C. Humidity: 70–80%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a giant spiny stick insect eat?
Herbivore – bramble, oak, guava, rose. Keep fresh food plant cuttings available and mist nightly.
Handling, temperament & health
Males have spiked hind legs that pinch hard; handle carefully.
Health watch: Low humidity causes moulting problems.
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 spiny stick insect bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 45 cm).
Giant spiny stick insect FAQ
Is the giant spiny stick insect good for beginners?
The giant spiny stick insect is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Males have spiked hind legs that pinch hard; handle carefully.
What size enclosure does a giant spiny stick insect need?
At least 45 × 30 × 45 cm (about 18 × 12 × 18 inches, roughly 16 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 spiny stick insect cost in Canada?
Typically $30–70 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 spiny stick insect need?
Temperature: 22–28°C. Humidity: 70–80%.
What does a giant spiny stick insect eat?
Herbivore – bramble, oak, guava, rose. Keep fresh food plant cuttings available and mist nightly.
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.