Leaf Insect, Phyllium Philippinicum

The leaf insect, Phyllium philippinicum, is a unique and highly-demanded species of stick insect, (both stick and leaf insects belonging to the family Phasmatidae) with beautiful anatomy that expertly camouflages it with the greenery of its native home, the Philippines. It is found in the tropical rainforests of the country, particularly on the islands of Luzon, Mindanao, and Samar. The species is endemic to the Philippines, meaning it is naturally found only in that specific geographic region. Leaf insects have adapted to the diverse forest ecosystems of the Philippines and are well-suited to the conditions and vegetation of their native habitat. Phyllium philippinicum are born as dark brown nymphs that quickly mature into large green, yellow, or orange living leaves. These insects can grow up to around 4 inches long, with males being slightly smaller and with a thin "streamlined" appearance. While Phasmids are considered low maintenance pets overall, Phyllium philippinicum requires a little more attention than most other species. They should be housed in a ventilated large mesh enclosure, with a relative humidity level of around 70% RH and temperatures kept at around 75°F - 85°F (24°C to 29°C). Due to their high humidity requirements, leaf insects thrive in a bioactive setup using a soil or coco-coir substrate, along with decorative items like cork bark, twigs, and rocks. Leaf insects can be handled with ease and are docile and calm in temperament. Keepers should be gentle and calm when handling, using a brush if necessary. This species feeds on bramble leaves, oak leaves, rose leaves, and guava leaves, ensure that all food provided is well washed to avoid any pesticides. Unlike most phasmids, the leaf insect is not parthenogenetic (asexual) and requires both a male and female of the species to produce fertile eggs. For this reason, leaf insects are less prolific than many other species. Overall, this a wonderful pet insect we recommend all hobbyists keep at least once.