Common leaf insect (Phyllium siccifolium)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Common leaf insect (Phyllium siccifolium) (origin: Echte Art gesichert nur auf den Molukken (Ambon, Halmahera, Seram, Buru, Banggai, Sula-Inseln); im Handel angebotene Tiere stammen meist von P. hausleithneri (u. a. Tapah Hills, Malaysia) – nicht von der echten Art.). Adult size around females ~8–9 cm, males ~6 cm. Life expectancy approx. 9–12 months. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Common leaf insect: How big does the enclosure need to be?
30×30×50 cm for a pair.
Common leaf insect: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–27 °C, basking spot no warm spot needed, at night 20 °C.
Common leaf insect: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed.
Common leaf insect: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: approx. 9–12 months.
Common 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
- Feeding interval
- fresh leaves at all times; mist daily
Key facts
- Adult size
- females ~8–9 cm, males ~6 cm
- Life expectancy
- approx. 9–12 months
- Origin
- Echte Art gesichert nur auf den Molukken (Ambon, Halmahera, Seram, Buru, Banggai, Sula-Inseln); im Handel angebotene Tiere stammen meist von P. hausleithneri (u. a. Tapah Hills, Malaysia) – nicht von der echten Art.
- Protection status
- Not protected
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Group: generally suitable for group housing, but needs enough space - housing several adults too closely leads to cannibalism of leaf-shaped body edges. Plenty of food and room prevent this.
Notes
The name has historically been used as a collective term for several species — animals offered as "siccifolium" are not always this species. Ask the breeder about the origin.
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Related species
- Ceylon leaf insect (Phyllium bioculatum) – 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
What you need to start
To keep Common leaf insect (Phyllium siccifolium) 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.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phyllium_siccifolium, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phyllium_siccifolium, https://phasmatodea.com/phyllium-hausleithneri-tapah-hills
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).