Unarmed Stick Insect (Acanthoxyla inermis)

We have a large group of unarmed stick insects. Although they are not native to Britain, there are thriving populations of several species living in the South West of England - who would've thought we had wild stick insects!?

Multiple stick insect species were accidentally introduced to Britain around 100 years ago via shipments of plants from New Zealand to our garden centres. It is likely that stick insects came over through eggs within the soil of these plants.

We were kindly sent some eggs from a keeper of these in the UK. They have since hatched to start our own captive colony here. They are a fantastic option for handling once grown up as are very gentle and docile insects that grow to 10cm long! They are kept in a secure indoor enclosure with a constant supply of tasty bramble leaves.