Sub Family: Eurycanthinae

Foodplant in captivity: Bramble, oak.  My own insects also readily eat my Urn plant (Aechmea fasciata).

Humidity requirements: A member of the sub-family Heteropteryginae, and as such prefers a humid environment.  

Comment: A friend of mine refers to this species as "The Scorpion Insect"; understandably so, since they don't much resemble classical stick insects, and do appear to be rather menacing.  This phasmid is apterous, with a tough brown body.  Adult males are approximately 10-12 cm long, and have intimidating-looking "spurs" on the inside of each femur.  Adult females are approximately 13-15cm long, and have a noticeable beak-like ovipositor on the end of the abdomen.  She needs to lay her ova in damp substrate, such as compost, vermiculite, perlite or sand.

The colour of the nymphs varies between instar and between individuals.  As seen in the photographs, nymphs are often various shades of green or beige.

Defence tactics:  Both sexes can be difficult to handle, mainly because they have a tendency to 'pinch' using the back legs.  Males have a large "spur" on the inside of each femur, which I'm sure would cause a puncture if used as defence in this way.  Males also release a repulsive odour when handled.  Fortunately Eurycanthas do become docile if handled regularly.  If a stick insect does try to pinch your hand, the best thing is not to move or try to pick the insect off - it will only grip for one or two seconds, and any resulting injury to your hand will be nothing more than a pin-prick!