Breeding
Most stick insects have wings when they reach adulthood. Whilst many can fly, especially males, many heavier species often have very small wings and do not fly.
There are several parthenogenesis species of stick insects, which means they don’t need to mate to produce fertile eggs. However, the eggs of most parthenogenesis species often hatch only female nymphs.
This picture shows a pair of metallic stick insects (Achrioptera Fallax) mating. The males are much smaller than the females and a stunning metallic blue colour.
This is a parthenogenesis species, but we have found that mated females produce a higher proportion of male offspring than unmated females.
Pictured are Metallic (Achrioptera Fallax) eggs.
Keep these eggs on damp tissue in a ventilated tub.
Spray a fine mist of water each day and allow to dry.
Cover the eggs with Sphagnum moss as this helps to maintain humidity and deter mould. This also helps the nymphs pull free from the eggs.
Different species may need different conditions and substrate so do your research for the species you want to keep.
Hatching can be as difficult for nymphs as moulting.
Sometimes their feet or limbs can be stuck to the egg membrane and cause problems during hatching.
They will drag the egg around whilst trying to pull free. If they can’t pull their limb free they will often pull the whole leg off trying.
You can help them by following the instructions in our youTube video – Link Below;