Peruvian fire stick insect (Oreophoetes peruana)

Short answers

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

30×30×40 cm.

Peruvian fire stick insect: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–25 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 17–20 °C.

Peruvian fire stick insect: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not required.

Peruvian fire stick insect: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 6–12 months.

Peruvian fire stick insect: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

20–25 °C

Night temperature

17–20 °C

Basking spot

No basking spot

Humidity

70–85 %

UVB

Not required

Enclosure

Minimum size

30×30×40 cm

Substrate

Damp coco humus, fern fronds as food and structure

Feeding

Food

ONLY ferns (sword fern, for example)

Feeding interval

fresh food always available

Key facts

Adult size

5–7 cm

Life expectancy

6–12 months

Origin

Peru – montane forest

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Group: a calm group animal that gets along even with other species. In a group you see more of the animals, but they do not depend on it - a single animal lives on unobtrusively too, as long as enough fern is available.

Notes

It eats only ferns – a year-round fern supply has to be sorted out before acquiring it. When disturbed it releases a strongly smelling secretion. Brilliant red and black.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Peruvian fire stick insect (Oreophoetes peruana) 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 (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 Peruvian fire stick insect (Oreophoetes peruana) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×40 cm), substrate (Damp coco humus, fern fronds as food and structure), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.