Invertebrate · Stick insect
Thorny stick insect care guide
Aretaon asperrimus
The thorny stick insect is a beginner-level stick insect from Borneo. Adults reach Body 6–8 cm and live 1–1.5 years in captivity. Females lay eggs in the soil, so keep a damp substrate layer.
- Enclosure 30 × 30 × 45 cm
- Temp 22–26°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a thorny stick insect cost in Canada?
Thorny stick insect quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- Body 6–8 cm
- Lifespan
- 1–1.5 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Borneo
- 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
- 22–26°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Herbivore – bramble, raspberry, oak, hazel
- Bioactive style
- Arboreal insect
Thorny stick insect 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 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: 22–26°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a thorny stick insect eat?
Herbivore – bramble, raspberry, oak, hazel. Keep fresh food plant cuttings available and mist nightly.
Handling, temperament & health
Docile and handleable; spiny but harmless.
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 thorny stick insect bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 30 × 45 cm).
Thorny stick insect FAQ
Is the thorny stick insect good for beginners?
Yes – the thorny stick insect is a good choice for beginners. Docile and handleable; spiny but harmless.
What size enclosure does a thorny stick insect 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 thorny stick insect cost in Canada?
Typically $15–35 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 thorny stick insect need?
Temperature: 22–26°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a thorny stick insect eat?
Herbivore – bramble, raspberry, oak, hazel. 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.