Giant Lime Green Stick Insect Natural History
Size
Female giant lime green stick insects can grow up to 20cm long whereas, males can grow up to 11cm long. In order to grow larger, they hang upside down and moult by crawling out of the their exoskeleton.
Habitat and Distribution
They are native to Grenada, an island in the Caribbean. They are primarily active at dawn and at night (crepuscular).
Age
In captivity, giant lime green stick insects can live up to 18 months.
Diet
Just like many other species of stick insects, they are leaf-eaters and will eat a variety of leaves including bramble, eucalyptus and oak.
Groups and Breeding
This species reaches maturity at approximately 6 months old. After mating, the females will leave the ova (egg) on the ground as it is brown and can resemble bark. The incubation time for this species is around 4 to 5 months.
Interesting Facts
Their common name in German is ‘walking pea’ due to the vibrant lime green colour of adult females. Both males and females have wings but they use them for different purposes; males will use their wings to fly and glide however, females use their wings to startle predators.
The Giant Lime Green Stick Insects During Your Day Out in Kent
Our giant lime green stick insects can be found in our Bug Garden alongside other species of stick insects, cockroaches and tarantula species, including Brazilian white-knee tarantulas and Chilean rose tarantulas.