Sub Family: Heteropteryginae

Foodplant in captivity: Bramble, oak.

Humidity requirements: A member of the sub-family Heteropteryginae, and as such prefers a humid environment.  I do keep this species in a partially-ventilated vivarium, but I compensate by spraying heavily at least once a day in order to maintain sufficiently high levels of humidity. 

Comment: A wonderfully small and compact phasmid.  The adult males (3-5 cm) are probably the more attractive sex, having a bright orange-coloured body that is adorned with 6-8 rather large spines.  The adult female (4-5 cm long) is also spiny, though less so.  Females are an orangey-brown colour, and very plump when egg-laden.  Apparently the ova are "hairy", but I haven't yet seen these (they have probably been buried under the compost in their tank - this species needs a layer of substrate (e.g. compost, vermiculite, perlite or sand) in which to lay the ova).

Defence tactics: Catalepsy (i.e. playing dead), plus the tendency to hide under leaves during the daytime.  The spikes are harmless to human skin.