Scorpion Stick Insect Extatosoma tiaratum - Exotic insect for breeding and observation

If James Bond were an insect, it would surely be the Scorpion Stick Insect - Extatosoma Tiaratum . With its unique appearance, slow, elegant movements, and pro-camouflage skills, this little guy could slip through a eucalyptus forest without even breaking a sweat (if insects sweated).

But why "scorpion"? Well, when it feels threatened, this stick insect adopts a spectacular position, raising its tail like... a scorpion! Don't panic though: it's completely harmless. All this is just to impress spectators or make predators believe that it has a bad temper. In fact, it has no sting, no fang, no claw, not even the slightest slightly furrowed eyebrow.

Personality-wise, it's a real star. The scorpion stick insect - Extatosoma Tiaratum - spends its days nibbling leaves (bramble, eucalyptus, rose bush) and posing majestically on branches as if it were on the cover of Vogue Nature . And when night falls, it goes into nocturnal mode to explore its territory... slowly but surely.

Want to know more about its lifestyle and how to raise it? The complete breeding guide for the scorpion spider - Extatosoma Tiaratum is just below! 

Fact sheet: Scorpion stick insect - Extatosoma Tiaratum

Difficulty: Easy to raise, will only require one or two water sprays per day, this one prefers humid climates. Perfect humidity is not mandatory but it will favor the development of your insects. Be careful however, once adult (imago stage) it is a large insect of about 10-15 centimeters. Plan a terrarium and habitat accordingly.

Temperature: 22-26°C. But it will be perfectly happy at room temperature as long as it doesn't drop below 17-18 degrees.

Humidity: 60-80%

Food: Foliage including: Bramble leaves, raspberry, eucalyptus, rose, oak, hazel.

Reproduction: Frequent parthenogenesis (females can reproduce alone) or sexual reproduction. Eggs incubate for 6 to 9 months depending on whether they are fertilized or parthenogenetic. The female simply lays her eggs on the ground.

Personality: Calm, nocturnal, easy to handle, with an impressive defensive posture but TOTALLY harmless. No sting, no venom, no hook, not even really mandibles, unlike the "real" scorpion it is of course not venomous and poses no risk to humans. It's just a show! 😂

Lifespan: approximately 12 to 18 months.

Size: Females: 15-18 cm; Males: 10-12 cm, thinner and winged. As with most arthropod species, the female has a much broader and larger morphology. This is called sexual dimorphism.

Habitat: Any habitat that allows it to camouflage itself among twigs to protect itself from predators through mimicry. Branches, vermiculite, coconut peat, even paper towels work as substrate.

Breeder's note: The scorpion stick insect - Extatosoma Tiaratum is completely harmless and has very amusing expressions. Like its cousin, the phyllium philipinicum, it stretches its front legs outwards as if to be caught, while waddling to imitate the movement of the wind, convinced that it is an ace at camouflage. Be careful though: the scorpion stick insect - Extatosoma Tiaratum will become a beautiful baby once it is an adult. A fairly active species and all the more pleasant to observe. Very prolific.