Philippine leaf insect (Phyllium philippinicum)

Short answers

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

25×25×40 cm for a pair (height at least 30 cm, well ventilated).

Philippine leaf insect: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–26 °C, at night ~20 °C.

Philippine leaf insect: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

Philippine leaf insect: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 9–12 months.

Philippine leaf insect: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–26 °C

Night temperature

~20 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

70–80 %

UVB

No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size

25×25×40 cm for a pair (height at least 30 cm, well ventilated)

Substrate

Damp, moisture-retaining substrate (coco humus); mist regularly

Feeding

Food

Bramble (the most important winter food), oak, rose, raspberry, hawthorn, guava

Feeding interval

fresh leaves at all times; mist regularly (for shedding)

Key facts

Adult size

females ~8–9.5 cm, males ~6 cm

Life expectancy

approx. 9–12 months

Origin

The Philippines

Protection status

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

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Group: a peaceful species, several animals get along in a sufficiently large group. Reproduction works both sexually and parthenogenetically - unfertilised females continue laying viable eggs, so a male is not strictly required. Under food shortage or crowding the leaf-shaped body edges of tankmates may be nibbled, so always provide plenty of food and space.

Notes

The most beginner-friendly walking leaf (PSG 278), yet listed as "advanced" because of its humidity, moulting and food requirements. Stand the twigs in water like cut flowers and cover the opening (a drowning risk for the nymphs). Perfect leaf camouflage.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Philippine leaf insect (Phyllium philippinicum) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Ceylon leaf insect (Phyllium bioculatum) – Intermediate
• Common leaf insect (Phyllium siccifolium) – Intermediate
• Halmahera leaf insect (Phyllium tobeloense) – Intermediate
• Giant leaf insect (Phyllium giganteum) – 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 Philippine leaf insect (Phyllium philippinicum) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (25×25×40 cm for a pair (height at least 30 cm, well ventilated)), substrate (Damp, moisture-retaining substrate (coco humus); mist regularly), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.