Jewelled Stick Insect Necroscia annulipes

The Necroscia annulipes or jewelled stick insect is a stunning species from Malaysia. It can easily be kept at room temperature or slightly warmer, around 18-20°C (64-68°F). These beautiful stick insects feed on lilac, privet, olive, osmanthus, jasmine, and members of the laurel family (Laurus nobilis, etc.).

A terrarium of 30x30x45 cm is ideal for two pairs. An upright fauna box can also be used. For more animals, a larger terrarium is required. The terrarium should have ventilation strips but not too ventilated or it will be difficult to maintain humidity, especially for nymphs, which need 70-80% humidity. So a full mesh enclosure is not recommended for this species unless you have a high humidity invertebrate room in which to place it. Far easier to maintain humidity in a glass or plastic terrarium or container. Spray the terrarium and soil daily, do not let it dry out.

In this species, males and females are similar size but males are slightly smaller and thinner than females. Females reach 8.5-9 cm, while males reach 6.5-7 cm. The Necroscia annulipes, jewelled stick insect breeds via sexual reproduction.

This is a fascinating species to breed due to their unique egg laying strategy which involves ramming the eggs into the bark of trees and other similar media. And they do so quite noisily and forcefully. You will hear them tapping away as they attempt to hammer the eggs into crevices in just about anything that is handy to them. It is best to give them some soft cork bark, polystyrene or flower oasis in which to lay eggs.

Please note that you will need to provide egg laying medium for females even if you have not mated them since they will still lay eggs, though they will be infertile. If the female stick insect is not provided with an egg laying medium she may die as she will exhaust herself trying to lay her eggs on unsuitable hard surfaces.

Females produce around 100 eggs, but they do not hatch easily. Although few nymphs die after the first moults, this species is relatively easy to care for. Eggs typically hatch after 4-5 months, though it can take longer for the first nymphs to appear. They will be tiny, delicate and plain green in colour.

Females will moult 6 times and males 5 times to reach adulthood in around 5 to 6 months. Females live approximately six months after their final moult, while males have a shorter lifespan.

When disturbed, these insects can fly away. Both males and females are proficient fliers. They can also secrete a smelly substance, so it’s best to wash your hands after handling them.

As adults the Necroscia annulipes displays beautifully colours including green, yellow, pink, turquoise and black and has magnificent bright pink wings. It is a truly stunning species that with proper care is not difficult to keep for those who have some experience with phasmids. The key is humidity for the nymphs especially when very small.