Jungle nymph (Heteropteryx dilatata)
Photo: Acrocynus / Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons

Invertebrate · Stick insect

Jungle nymph care guide

Heteropteryx dilatata

Intermediate

The jungle nymph is a intermediate-level stick insect from Malaysia. Adults reach Body 13–16 cm (female) and live 1.5–2 years in captivity. Females lay eggs in the soil, so keep it 10 cm deep.

  • Enclosure 45 × 45 × 60 cm
  • Temp 22–28°C
  • Humidity 70–80%

How much does a jungle nymph cost in Canada?

Animal$30–80Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$190–360Enclosure $60–130 · equipment $60–150 · bioactive supplies ≈ $70
Yearly upkeep$40–80Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$260–520All prices CAD, estimates

Jungle nymph quick facts

Skill level
Intermediate
Adult size
Body 13–16 cm (female)
Lifespan
1.5–2 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
Malaysia
Minimum enclosure
45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
Housing
Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
Temperature
22–28°C
Humidity
70–80%
UVB
Not needed
Diet
Herbivore – bramble, guava, oak, rose
Bioactive style
Arboreal insect

Jungle nymph enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 inches). Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a arboreal insect bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Premium Coconut Fiber10 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 jungle nymph eat?

Herbivore – bramble, guava, oak, rose. Keep fresh food plant cuttings available and mist nightly.

Handling, temperament & health

Females are heavy and have spiny legs that can pinch.

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 jungle nymph bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 45 × 60 cm).

Jungle nymph FAQ

Is the jungle nymph good for beginners?

The jungle nymph is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Females are heavy and have spiny legs that can pinch.

What size enclosure does a jungle nymph need?

At least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (about 18 × 18 × 24 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.

How much does a jungle nymph cost in Canada?

Typically $30–80 CAD to buy, about $190–360 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $40–80 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a jungle nymph need?

Temperature: 22–28°C. Humidity: 70–80%.

What does a jungle nymph eat?

Herbivore – bramble, guava, oak, rose. Keep fresh food plant cuttings available and mist nightly.

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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.