Giant spiny stick insect (Aretaon asperrimus)

Short answers

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

30×30×40 cm (a small group).

Giant spiny stick insect: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

Giant spiny stick insect: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

Giant spiny stick insect: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: females ~12 months, males ~8 months.

Giant spiny stick insect: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–28 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

70–90 %

UVB

No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size

30×30×40 cm (a small group)

Substrate

Coco humus or forest soil, slightly damp; places to climb (branches and twigs)

Feeding

Food

Bramble (the staple, all year), raspberry, oak, beech, hawthorn, blackcurrant

Feeding interval

always offer fresh leaves; replace wilted branches weekly

Key facts

Adult size

females ~9 cm, males ~6 cm (wingless)

Life expectancy

females ~12 months, males ~8 months

Origin

Borneo (the Malaysian part, mainly Sabah)

Protection status

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

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Group keeping is possible and usual; peaceful and not cannibalistic. The males get on with each other. Sexual reproduction (males are common), not pure parthenogenesis. Provide enough climbing opportunities and misted water (for moulting).

Notes

A robust beginner's species that breeds well. Nocturnal, camouflaged as a thorny twig. The females have an ovipositor and lay their eggs in the ground. High humidity matters for moulting, but avoid waterlogging and mould (good ventilation).

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Giant spiny stick insect (Aretaon asperrimus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Annam stick insect (Ramulus artemis) – Beginner
• Giant prickly stick insect (Extatosoma tiaratum) – Beginner
• Brueckner's stick insect (Trachyaretaon brueckneri) – Beginner
• Ceylon leaf insect (Phyllium bioculatum) – Intermediate
• Chan's megastick (Phobaeticus chani) – Expert
• Giant spiny stick insect (Eurycantha calcarata) – Beginner
• Jungle nymph (Heteropteryx dilatata) – Intermediate
• Common leaf insect (Phyllium siccifolium) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Giant spiny stick insect (Aretaon asperrimus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×40 cm (a small group)), substrate (Coco humus or forest soil, slightly damp; places to climb (branches and twigs)), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.