Stick insects belong to a group known as Phasmatodea. This word originates from the Latin word Phasma, which means ghost. They have highly developed camouflage skills, most are coloured to blend in with the vegetation where they are found. Others can change their colour to suit their environment

There are many different species of stick insect, amongst them are: Indian, Indonesian, Jungle Nymph, Mackaileys Spectre, New Guinea Female, New Guinea Male, Peruvian Fern, Pink-Winged, Praying Mantis, Spineless New Guinea, Thailand, Thornback Female and Trinidad Log.

The most commonly kept stick insect is the Indian stick insect, they are the easiest to look after.

Different stick insects have different nutritional requirements, always check this out before buying your pet. Stick insects are vegetarians. Most eat the leaves of herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees, Some eat privet but most prefer bramble. Never pick plants from gardens, hedgerows or fields that may have been contaminated with insecticides or other potential toxins. Also do not pick plants from the roadside, they may be contaminated with heavy metals and other pollutants.

You will need a well ventilated aquarium to keep your stick insect in. You can buy these from your local pet shop.

As stick insects nymphs grow, they shed their skins several times before reaching adulthood. The number varies with the gender and species, molting can also be influenced by the temperature and food intake. Before this happens, they tend to lose their appetite and become less active for a few days. The insect typically hangs upside down and after a series of contractions, the skin is lost. You must not handle them for several hours after this, until the new skin has hardened sufficiently. Males rarely live for longer than a month after their final molt, or long after mating. Females can live for six months or more after their final molt