THE INDIAN OR LABORATORY STICK INSECT   (Carausius morosus)   PSG1
    
Originating in India, they are now found wild in several countries; even in S.W. England.  Of the over 2,500 different species of stick insect, this is the most commonly available; and it is hardy, harmless and easy to keep.  Its      life-span is about a year, and they reach a length of around 80mm (3").  They are parthenogenic, i.e.they lay fertile eggs (ova) without mating.   There are males (which are smaller and thinner than the females), but they are very rare and probably infertile.  The eggs hatch after about 5 months.  The young insects shed their skin (ecdysis) as they grow in size, usually 4 or 5 times (instars) in a lifetime.  If they happen to have lost a leg or antennae, they may be able to grow a new one after a moult (though it's usually shorter than the original).
HOUSING:  A plastic or glass container, such as an aquarium, reptile tank or large sweet-jar is needed, with a securely fastened fine mesh or ventilated top.  The height should be about three times the length of an adult insect, to allow them to hang whilst shedding their skins.   A small container inside this jar with water for the food plants is best covered with a lid punched with holes for the stems to pass through, to prevent small nymphs falling in and drowning.  A paper floor covering simplifies cleaning out the container.
Room temperature is all that's needed for this species.  Light and ventilation are important but strong sunlight must be avoided.  The container should be cleaned out at least weekly.  The droppings are generally dry and odourless.  Adults lay numerous eggs (many hundreds in a lifetime).  They are olive-brown, smooth, and quite small (2.1mm in length).  The eggs are best removed to a small container.  Watch out for newly hatched nymphs, and carefully place them in the adults' cage.  The hatchlings (nymphs) like access to water when they emerge from the egg; well dampened moss is an excellent medium, or the container can be sprayed with a fine mist.
FEEDING:  A wide range of food plants is accepted by this species, including privet, ivy, hawthorn, bramble, pyracantha, rose, and raspberry.  Be wary of using plants with chemical contamination.  It is advisable to wash the food stuff well to remove dirt, spiders, etc from it.  Occasional spraying of the leaves with a fine mist of water is useful, but do not saturate the bottom of the cage or nymphs might drown and the droppings go mouldy.  It is important to replenish any dried out, wilting leaves or bare stems at least once a week.  
HANDLING:  These insects are quite harmless.  The best method is to gently coax them onto your hand or, for small insects, use an artist's paint brush.   However, do not grasp them by a leg or tear them from their perches, or they may shed a leg.  When disturbed or dropped they will feign death and look like a stick, remaining motionless for some time.  These insects are often inactive most of the day, preferring to eat and move around at night. 
THE PHASMID STUDY GROUP meet twice a year, have quarterly newsletters, and exchange stick insects, eggs and advice.   Their address for enquiries is:-  Paul Brock, c/o Papillion,  40 Thorndike Road, SLOUGH. Berkshire.  SL2  ISR.  Please enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope.  Their web site is  www.stickinsect.org.uk.
Published by Mike Smith and Lois Dawson, members of the Phasmid Study Group, AUGUST 2OO2.