Indian stick insect (Carausius morosus)
Photo: Fußpunktmaler / CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Invertebrate · Stick insect

Indian stick insect care guide

Carausius morosus

Beginner

The indian stick insect is a beginner-level stick insect from Southern India. Adults reach Body 8–10 cm and live 1 year in captivity. Good in groups. Fresh bramble or privet.

  • Enclosure 30 × 30 × 45 cm
  • Temp 20–25°C
  • Humidity 50–70%

How much does a indian stick insect cost in Canada?

Animal$5–20Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$120–230Enclosure $40–80 · equipment $40–100 · bioactive supplies ≈ $50
Yearly upkeep$20–40Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$150–290All prices CAD, estimates

Indian stick insect quick facts

Skill level
Beginner
Adult size
Body 8–10 cm
Lifespan
1 year
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
Southern India
Minimum enclosure
30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
Housing
Up to 10 can share; add about 10% more floor space for each extra animal.
Temperature
20–25°C
Humidity
50–70%
UVB
Not needed
Diet
Herbivore – bramble, privet, ivy, rose leaves
Bioactive style
Arboreal insect

Indian stick insect enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 inches). Up to 10 can share; add about 10% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a arboreal insect bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Premium Coconut Fiber3 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: 20–25°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Not needed.

What does a indian stick insect eat?

Herbivore – bramble, privet, ivy, rose leaves. Keep fresh food plant cuttings in water and replace every few days.

Handling, temperament & health

Very gentle and ideal for handling.

Health watch: Parthenogenetic and reproduces fast; never release eggs outdoors.

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 indian stick insect bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 30 × 45 cm).

Indian stick insect FAQ

Is the indian stick insect good for beginners?

Yes – the indian stick insect is a good choice for beginners. Very gentle and ideal for handling.

What size enclosure does a indian stick insect need?

At least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (about 12 × 12 × 18 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 10 can share; add about 10% more floor space for each extra animal.

How much does a indian stick insect cost in Canada?

Typically $5–20 CAD to buy, about $120–230 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $20–40 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a indian stick insect need?

Temperature: 20–25°C. Humidity: 50–70%.

What does a indian stick insect eat?

Herbivore – bramble, privet, ivy, rose leaves. Keep fresh food plant cuttings in water and replace every few days.

Similar species

Browse all 1,000 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.