Invertebrate · Stick insect
Northern walkingstick care guide
Diapheromera femorata
The northern walkingstick is a beginner-level stick insect from Eastern North America including southern Canada. Adults reach Body 7–10 cm and live 6–12 months in captivity. Canada's native stick insect; eggs need a winter cooling period to hatch.
- Enclosure 30 × 30 × 45 cm
- Temp 18–25°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a northern walkingstick cost in Canada?
Northern walkingstick quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- Body 7–10 cm
- Lifespan
- 6–12 months
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Eastern North America including southern Canada
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 8 can share; add about 15% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 18–25°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Herbivore – oak, hazel, bramble
- Bioactive style
- Arboreal insect
Northern walkingstick enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 inches). Up to 8 can share; add about 15% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a arboreal insect bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- 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: 18–25°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a northern walkingstick eat?
Herbivore – oak, hazel, bramble. Keep fresh oak or hazel cuttings available.
Handling, temperament & health
Gentle and handleable.
Health watch: Needs a reliable supply of native browse.
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 northern walkingstick bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 30 × 45 cm).
Northern walkingstick FAQ
Is the northern walkingstick good for beginners?
Yes – the northern walkingstick is a good choice for beginners. Gentle and handleable.
What size enclosure does a northern walkingstick need?
At least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (about 12 × 12 × 18 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 8 can share; add about 15% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a northern walkingstick cost in Canada?
Typically $10–25 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 northern walkingstick need?
Temperature: 18–25°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a northern walkingstick eat?
Herbivore – oak, hazel, bramble. Keep fresh oak or hazel cuttings available.
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.