Sub Family: Heteropteryginae

Foodplant in captivity: Bramble.

Humidity requirements: H. grayii, like all of the Heteropteryginae, needs to be reared in a humid environment - I use a tall glass tank that has a lid made of mesh.  A thick (2-3 inch) layer of damp compost lies permanently on the base, and this serves to maintain the tank's high level of humidity as well as to provide somewhere for the females to bury their ova.

Comment: A large and impressive spiny species.  The males have particularly beautiful colourations.  As with many stick insect species, the male spends days riding on the back of his chosen partner, presumably to prevent her from mating with others.

Defence tactics: Initially camouflage.  Additionally, the males raise their hind legs in the air, giving the impression of a formidable spike.  They can also make a hissing noise (through rustling their wings, I think).  The larger nymphs and the adults of both species occasionally try to pinch their attacker using the hind legs, which sometimes pierces human skin and drawing blood.  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!