Carausius morosus

Indian/Laboratory/Common stick insect

Subfamily: Lonchodinae

Origin: Palma hills of Tamil Nadu, south India

Adult size: Females 4inchs/ 10cm (males smaller, very rare)

Food plants: Privet, Bramble, Ivy, Oak

Description: Female indian stick insects are olive green to brown, with red patches on their inner front legs. Males light brown. I should mention that males are non-existent in culture, although occasionally a male-look-a-like female is produced.

Comments: Very easy species to rear, often regarded as being the perfect beginners species. Many people start off with this species, and then progress onto other more challenging species. Very good to handle, so perfect for children. Females are parthenogenetic (no males needed,) and ova hatch in about 4-6 months. Hatch rate is good, and mortality is low. This species prefer quite dry conditions, with good ventilation, but spray them at least once a week.