Dares philippinensis

Dares philippinensis – Philippine Spiny Stick Insect

It is a very interesting and hardy species, ideal for people who want to start keeping more robust stick insects with a spiny appearance.

They mainly feed on bramble (blackberry leaves), although they can also accept rose or raspberry leaves. They require humidity around 70–80% and good ventilation. Unlike many other stick insects, they tend to hide during the day, as they are more active at night.

They can reproduce by parthenogenesis, meaning females can lay viable eggs without a male. The eggs usually take between 3 and 5 months to hatch, depending on temperature and humidity. Nymphs will grow through several molts until reaching adulthood in approximately 5–6 months.