Hedgehog stick insect (Trachyaretaon echinatus)

Short answers

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

40×40×40 cm for several animals (floor area matters more than height).

Hedgehog stick insect: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–26 °C, basking spot no warm spot needed, at night 20 °C.

Hedgehog stick insect: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

Hedgehog stick insect: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 12–18 months.

Hedgehog stick insect: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–26 °C

Night temperature

20 °C

Basking spot

no warm spot needed

Humidity

70–80 %

UVB

No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size

40×40×40 cm for several animals (floor area matters more than height)

Substrate

Coco humus, several centimetres deep and damp — the females lay their eggs into it

Feeding

Food

Bramble, oak, raspberry, salal

Feeding interval

fresh leaves at all times; mist regularly

Key facts

Adult size

females ~9–10 cm, males ~7 cm

Life expectancy

approx. 12–18 months

Origin

The Philippines

Protection status

Not protected

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

A group is possible but not necessary: peaceful, and the males' sturdy leg spines do not cause injuries even so. A single animal does just as well on its own.

Notes

Ground-dwelling rather than climbing — unlike most stick insects. It lays its eggs in the ground, so sufficiently deep, damp substrate is a precondition for breeding.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Hedgehog stick insect (Trachyaretaon echinatus) in the marketplace →

Related species

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

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Hedgehog stick insect (Trachyaretaon echinatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×40×40 cm for several animals (floor area matters more than height)), substrate (Coco humus, several centimetres deep and damp — the females lay their eggs into it), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.