Giant Spiny Stick Insect, Eurycantha Calcarata

The Giant Spiny Stick Insect, known scientifically as Eurycantha calcarata, is a huge stick insect native to the forests of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. This critter boast a sizeable body covered in small, thorn-like spines, it’s a species that demands attention and a little bit of respect. These critters can grow up to 6 inches long, and is generally a slow-moving, docile creature. Mostly nocturnal, these insects spend their daytime hours hidden among leaves and branches, coming out at night to search for food. They are herbivores, with a preference for a diet of bramble, rose, and guava leaves, among others. Their spiny bodies serve a dual purpose: not only do they deter predators, but it also means these insects blend seamlessly into their surroundings, resembling twigs and branches. Giant Spiny Stick Insects are fairly straightforward to look after, but they do require a bit more space than some other stick insect species due to their size. A temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) and a humidity level of around 70-80% is ideal. The enclosure should be well-ventilated and tall enough to allow them to moult safely, as they hang upside down during the process.