What Do Walking Stick Bugs Eat?

What Are Walking Stick Bugs? – Stick Insect Overview

Walking stick bugs belong to the Phasmatodea order. The members of this order are known as: Stick insects, Walking sticks or Bug sticks. 

These insects have evolved to cater to their environment through camouflage. Most species do not bite, but some species do excrete a fluid that has a terrible stench and it irritates the predator’s eyes temporarily. These creatures primarily mimic (copy) plant parts like: 

• Sticks.
• Twigs. 
• Branches. 

There are 3,000 stick bug species found all over the world, except on the continent Antarctica. They are primarily found in areas with thick forests and woodlands. You may also find some in your garden if there are plants they like feeding on.

Species of Walking Stick Insect

There are 3,000 walking stick insect species, but many are endangered due to threats such as:

1. Habitat destruction.
2. Pesticides.
3. Human encroachment.
4. Collection for pet trade.

Data on the number of endangered walking stick bug species is insufficient, but species like Lord Howe Island stick insect (also called Dryococelus Australis) and Seychelles Winged stick insect (also called Graffaea Seychellensis) are currently facing the looming threats of extinction. 

What Do Walking Stick Bugs Eat?

Almost 300 species of this insect are kept as pets, with the most common ones being:

1. Indian stick insect (also called Carausius Morosus):

This species can range from light green to dark brown in colour, while red patches on its legs make them easy to find. They eat many foods like ivy, rose leaves, and bramble etc.

2. Spiny Leaf insect (also called Extatosoma Tiaratum):

This species looks like dried leaves and is brown in colour. In the wild the spiny leaf insects diet consists mostly of “eucalyptus leaves” but they can also eat oak, rose, and ivy leaves etc. 

3. Peppermint stick insect (also called Megacrania Batesii):

This species is bluish-green in colour and it received its name from its peppermint smelling secretion. This insect can only eat the leaves of “screw pine”, making it a very picky eater. 

What Do Walking Stick Bugs Eat in the Wild? 

Walking stick bugs are herbivores (only eat plants) so their natural diet consists of these plants in the wild:

• Hazel.
• Ivy leaves. 
• Eucalyptus leaves.
• Black and white oak.

Different species eat different types of plants, for example, it is known that Indian stick insects cannot rely solely on a diet of ivy leaves, so they eat a variety of leaves that are available. 

How Do Stick Insects Eat? – Feeding Behavior Explained

• Walking stick bugs have a vertical mouth which is also called a mandible (jaw). It cuts and grinds plant substance. 
• The insect eats everything on the leaf, only leaving the veins behind. 
• Most of these insects are nocturnal creatures, which means they are active at night, hence, they feed at night as well and are slow eaters. 
• During the day, some insects remain motionless or sway like twigs in the wind so they aren’t detected by predators like birds.

Do Walking Stick Bugs Drink Water? – Stick Insect Hydration

Yes, walking stick bugs do drink water, but they get most of their fluid from the leaves they eat. Some stick bugs might drink a few droplets from their environment. It is important to note that your pet stick bug should have a humid environment, as it allows them to shed or molt properly. The process of shedding is when the body of the insect expands and new skin is developed.

Best Plants to Feed Walking Stick Bugs

Here are some types of plants that you can feed your pet walking stick bug:

• White oak leaves. 
• Rose leaves (not sprayed with insecticides).
• Blackberrie.
• Ivy leaves.
• Gaultheria shallon.

It is important to research the stick bug you own, as different species eat different types of plants. Take extra precautions with the type of food you give to your pet, especially avoiding plants with insecticides. 

Seasonal Feeding Tips 

Here are some seasonal feeding tips for your stick insect:

1. Plants like ivy are evergreen, which means they are available throughout the year. 
2. Bramble remains available in many areas during the winter. 
3. Leaves that are dried and frozen during the spring and summer can be used for feedings in winter.
4. Romaine lettuce can also be fed in case there are no other food sources, but it is low in nutrition. 

What Not to Feed Walking Stick Insects

Here are a few things to avoid feeding your walking stick insect:

• Bright green leaves of Bramble (can be poisonous for the insect).
• Unknown plants (can be poisonous for the insect).
• Plants sprayed with insecticides.
• Grass.

Fun Facts About Walking Stick Bugs and Their Diet

• Female stick insects are larger than male stick insects. 
• Some stick bugs can grow up to 2 feet in length. 
• Are you aware that some species can drop their legs to distract predators?
• Did you know some stick bug species also have wings?

Conclusion – Feeding Stick Insects the Right Way

Taking care and feeding your pet stick bug the correct way is necessary for the creature to reach its maximum age of roughly 2.5 to 3 years. If you encounter a stick insect in the wild, try not to disturb the creature as it is important to respect nature. 

Frequently Asked Question

External Links

Stick Insect Facts for Kids – Active Wild

Lord Howe Island Stick Insect – EDGE of Existence

Megacrania batesii (Peppermint Stick Insect) – University of Michigan Museum of Zoology

Phasmida (Stick Insects) – BugGuide.Net

How to Care for Pet Stick Insects – Keeping Insects

Stick Insects and Their Diet – Britannica