Ceylon leaf insect (Phyllium bioculatum)

Short answers

Ceylon leaf insect: How big does the enclosure need to be?

30×30×50 cm for a pair.

Ceylon leaf insect: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–27 °C, basking spot no warm spot needed, at night 20 °C.

Ceylon leaf insect: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

Ceylon leaf insect: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 9–12 months.

Ceylon leaf insect: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–27 °C

Night temperature

20 °C

Basking spot

no warm spot needed

Humidity

70–85 %

UVB

No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size

30×30×50 cm for a pair

Substrate

Coco humus, damp; mist daily

Feeding

Food

Bramble, oak, guava, rose, raspberry

Feeding interval

fresh leaves at all times; mist daily

Key facts

Adult size

females ~8–9.5 cm, males ~6 cm

Life expectancy

approx. 9–12 months

Origin

Sumatra und vorgelagerte Inseln (Bangka, Belitung), südliche Malaiische Halbinsel

Protection status

Not protected; widely available captive-bred

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Group: peaceful group housing is possible; occasional cannibalism of tankmates' leaf-shaped body edges occurs when food is scarce. Plenty of food and space prevent this.

Notes

The classic, long-familiar species (PSG 10). The female is very broad and leaf-shaped, the male slender and able to fly.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Common leaf insect (Phyllium siccifolium) – Intermediate
• Halmahera leaf insect (Phyllium tobeloense) – Intermediate
• Giant leaf insect (Phyllium giganteum) – Intermediate
• Philippine leaf insect (Phyllium philippinicum) – Intermediate
• Annam stick insect (Ramulus artemis) – Beginner
• Giant prickly stick insect (Extatosoma tiaratum) – Beginner
• Brueckner's stick insect (Trachyaretaon brueckneri) – Beginner
• Chan's megastick (Phobaeticus chani) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Ceylon leaf insect (Phyllium bioculatum) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×50 cm for a pair), substrate (Coco humus, damp; mist daily), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.