Vietnamese stick insect (Medauroidea extradentata)

Short answers

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

30×30×40 cm (a more elaborate setup 45×45×60 cm).

Vietnamese stick insect: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 21–28 °C, at night ~18–20 °C.

Vietnamese stick insect: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

Vietnamese stick insect: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 12 months.

Vietnamese stick insect: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

21–28 °C

Night temperature

~18–20 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

60–70 %

UVB

No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size

30×30×40 cm (a more elaborate setup 45×45×60 cm)

Substrate

Loose, unfertilised humus-rich soil plus pine bark, slightly damp

Feeding

Food

Bramble, oak, raspberry, sage (fresh and untreated)

Feeding interval

fresh leaves at all times; mist in the evening (drinking water and humidity)

Key facts

Adult size

females ~10–13 cm, males (very rare) ~7–9 cm

Life expectancy

approx. 12 months

Origin

Vietnam (the Annam region)

Protection status

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

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

A group/swarm is ideal: highly sociable, parthenogenetic (males very rare, not needed), not cannibalistic. Also unproblematic kept singly.

Notes

One of the most popular beginner's and school species. Nocturnal, lethargic by day, and it sways to mimic a twig. No UV needed. Keep the ground damp so the eggs do not dry out and the moult works.

Do you keep this species?

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Vietnamese stick insect (Medauroidea extradentata) currently offered

• Blaue anam stabhschrecken – Blue green · Kalletal · 2.5 €

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Related species

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• 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 Vietnamese stick insect (Medauroidea extradentata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×40 cm (a more elaborate setup 45×45×60 cm)), substrate (Loose, unfertilised humus-rich soil plus pine bark, slightly damp), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.