Extatosoma tiaratum

Practical guide for breeding and maintaining Extatosoma tiaratum

1. Introduction
   Extatosoma tiaratum is native to Australia. It is characterized by its spiny appearance and mimicry of dry leaves or branches.
   • Females: large and robust (15–20 cm), flightless.
   • Males: smaller (10–12 cm), slender and with functional wings.
   They are harmless, nocturnal, and quite long-lived for a stick insect.

2. Biological cycle

3. Egg
   o Large, dark brown with operculum.
   o Similar to seeds.
   o Long incubation: 6–12 months at 22–26 °C (sometimes more).

4. Nymph
   o Newly hatched are black with red legs, mimicking ants (defense).
   o After successive molts, they acquire brown/greenish color, resembling a dry leaf.
   o Passes through 6–7 molts.
   o Development to adult: 6–8 months.

5. Adult
   o Female: large, spiny, brown or greenish, very heavy.
   o Male: slimmer, with wings, capable of flying.
   o Adult life: 8–12 months.
   o Total cycle: up to 18–24 months.

3. Environmental conditions
   • ?️ Temperature: 22–26 °C (can withstand up to 28 °C).
   • ? Humidity: 60–80%. Spray 1–2 times a day.
   • ☀️ Light: not critical, but maintain a 12 h day/night cycle.
   • ?️ Ventilation: essential → avoid mold in eggs and nymphs.

4. Recommended habitat
   • Terrarium or mesh cage:
   o Minimum size: 40 × 40 × 60 cm for a group.
   o Better tall to allow hanging molts.
   • Substrate: absorbent paper, coco fiber or peat (for eggs).
   • Decoration: strong branches, natural or artificial pesticide-free plants.
   • Ventilation: very important, but without losing humidity.

5. Feeding
   Accepted host plants:
   • Bramble (Rubus spp.) → the most practical year-round.
   • Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) → especially recommended.
   Recommendations:
   • Place branches in containers with water covered with cotton/paper.
   • Renew food every 2–3 days.
   • Avoid wet and pesticide-treated leaves.
   • Always keep leaves available.

6. Cleaning and maintenance
   • Remove leaf remains and droppings every 2–3 days.
   • Change substrate every 2–3 weeks.
   • Spray water on walls and leaves to maintain humidity.
   • Avoid waterlogging the substrate → risk of mold in eggs.

7. Egg incubation
   • The female drops the eggs to the ground.
   • Collect them or let them accumulate in the substrate.
   • Incubation:
   o In coco fiber, vermiculite or slightly moist absorbent paper.
   o Temperature: 22–26 °C.
   o Humidity: 60–70%.
   • Hatching time: 6–12 months (sometimes more than a year).

8. Important tips
   ✅ Provide tall terrarium and branches for correct molts.
   ✅ Maintain balance between high humidity and ventilation.
   ✅ Spray daily but without waterlogging.
   ✅ Offer variety of leaves for a rich and continuous diet.
   ✅ Do not keep too many specimens in little space (females very bulky).
   ✅ Patience with eggs → they take months to hatch.

9. Quick summary (checklist)
   • Temperature: 22–26 °C.
   • Humidity: 60–80%, spray 1–2 times/day.
   • Feeding: bramble, rose, oak, eucalyptus, ivy.
   • Terrarium: minimum 40 × 40 × 60 cm, tall and ventilated.
   • Cleaning: remains every 2–3 days, substrate change every 2–3 weeks.
   • Eggs: incubation 6–12 months in moist and ventilated substrate.
   • Life: nymph 6–8 months, adult 8–12 months, full cycle up to 2 years.