Jungle nymph (Heteropteryx dilatata)

Short answers

Jungle nymph: How big does the enclosure need to be?

40×40×40 cm for a pair (at least 30×30×45 cm; double it for more animals).

Jungle nymph: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–30 °C, at night ~20 °C.

Jungle nymph: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

Jungle nymph: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: females adult for up to ~12–18 months, males ~8 months; the eggs take 8–12 months to develop.

Jungle nymph: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

20–30 °C

Night temperature

~20 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

60–70 % (higher for nymphs at times)

UVB

No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size

40×40×40 cm for a pair (at least 30×30×45 cm; double it for more animals)

Substrate

Sandy potting soil, at least 5 cm deep for egg-laying

Feeding

Food

Bramble, oak, ivy, hawthorn, raspberry (leafy twigs)

Feeding interval

fresh leaves at all times; mist regularly

Key facts

Adult size

females 14–17 cm (up to ~65 g, the heaviest stick insect), males 9–13 cm

Life expectancy

females adult for up to ~12–18 months, males ~8 months; the eggs take 8–12 months to develop

Origin

The Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra, Thailand

Protection status

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

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Group: a very peaceful species, group housing is unproblematic given enough space, even several males tolerate each other. Females only use their spiny, hissing hind-leg strikes against predators and rough handling, not against their own kind.

Notes

A very long egg incubation (8–12 months) and deep substrate for laying are required → so rather one for the advanced. Green in colour and spiny. Gravid females are very heavy. Good ventilation against mould.

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

• 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 (Aretaon asperrimus) – Beginner
• Giant spiny stick insect (Eurycantha calcarata) – Beginner
• Common leaf insect (Phyllium siccifolium) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Jungle nymph (Heteropteryx dilatata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×40×40 cm for a pair (at least 30×30×45 cm; double it for more animals)), substrate (Sandy potting soil, at least 5 cm deep for egg-laying), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.