Giant leaf insect (Phyllium giganteum)

Short answers

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

40×40×60 cm for a single animal (height at least 3× the body length).

Giant leaf insect: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–28 °C, at night ~20–22 °C.

Giant leaf insect: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

Giant leaf insect: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 12–18 months from hatching (7–12 months as a nymph, then 6–10 months as an adult).

Giant leaf insect: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–28 °C

Night temperature

~20–22 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

70–80 %

UVB

No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size

40×40×60 cm for a single animal (height at least 3× the body length)

Substrate

Damp coco humus or soil; good ventilation against mould

Feeding

Food

Bramble (main food, also in winter), plus raspberry, wild rose and oak; older, darker leaves are preferred

Feeding interval

fresh leaves at all times; mist once a day

Key facts

Adult size

females ~10–12 cm, males up to ~8 cm (practically absent from the hobby)

Life expectancy

approx. 12–18 months from hatching (7–12 months as a nymph, then 6–10 months as an adult)

Origin

The Malay Peninsula and Borneo; captive bloodlines from the Cameron Highlands and Tapah Hills (Malaysia), records also from Thailand and Sumatra

Protection status

Not protected (not listed under CITES or German nature conservation law); commonly available captive-bred

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Peaceful, and group keeping is possible; parthenogenetic (males are extremely rare). If space or food is short they nibble each other's leaf margins – offer plenty of food and space.

Notes

Perfect leaf camouflage. Sensitive to strong temperature swings; rear the nymphs on oak leaves (which promotes development). High but well-ventilated humidity – it helps with moulting. Only conditionally suitable for beginners (special requirements).

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

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Related species

• Ceylon leaf insect (Phyllium bioculatum) – Intermediate
• Common leaf insect (Phyllium siccifolium) – Intermediate
• Halmahera leaf insect (Phyllium tobeloense) – 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 Giant leaf insect (Phyllium giganteum) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×40×60 cm for a single animal (height at least 3× the body length)), substrate (Damp coco humus or soil; good ventilation against mould), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.