Sunny Stick Insects 'Highland' Variant For Sale UK (Sungaya inexpectata) PSG 195
Looking for a robust, armoured addition to your phasmid collection? The Sunny Stick Insect (Sungaya inexpectata) is a spectacular Philippine species, prized for its sturdy, thorn-covered body and beautiful earthy textures. These phasmids are the tanks of the stick insect world—exceptionally hardy, slow-moving, and easy to handle.
🔍 At A Glance: Sungaya inexpectata Husbandry Summary
Scientific Name: Sungaya inexpectata | Common Names: Sunny Stick Insect | Sunny Stick Bug
Adult Size & Lifespan: Males: 4–5cm, Females: 8–9cm | Lifecycle spans approximately 1 year.
Breeding & Growth Rate: Parthenogenetic species capable of reproducing both sexually and without males, producing eggs consistently. Eggs are flicked into soil and take between 6–12 months to incubate in moist sphagnum moss at 20–22°C.
Ideal Climate: Temperature: 20–24°C (Maintained at 22°C The EntoScapes Way) | Humidity: 60–70% (Maintained at 65–75% The EntoScapes Way). They tolerate average room temperature comfortably as long as relative humidity remains high to support clean, successful moulting cycles.
Physical Identification & Behaviour: Exceptionally robust, thick-set phasmids covered in small, blunt spines that form an armoured silhouette mimicking rough tree bark. Remarkably slow-moving, calm, and docile insects that rarely run or drop legs when handled. Exhibits two fascinating regional colour variations: the "Highland" form (ranging from dark brown to light grey with white leg stripes) and the "Lowland" form (featuring a bold, white lateral line straight down the back).
Place of Origin: Native to the humid, shaded tropical rainforest understory of Luzon, Philippines (specifically the Batangas region).
Dietary Preferences: Highly adaptable generalist foliage feeders that easily thrive on pesticide-free, safely sourced bramble, ivy, rose, raspberry, and hazel. Food branches must be served in fresh water jars plugged securely with paper towels to prevent smaller nymphs from drowning.
Enclosure Sizing & Maintenance: Requires an arboreal enclosure at least 3x the insect’s body length in height and 2x in width (e.g., a 60x30cm habitat comfortably houses a small group). Well-ventilated mesh cages are ideal for cross-ventilation, though glass or plastic setups can be used if misted 2–3 times a week. Females require a dedicated pot or container of damp soil for egg-laying. Line the floor with plain paper towels to absorb excess moisture, manage frass, and easily isolate eggs.
At EntoScapes, our Sunny Stick Insects are UK captive-bred and raised on our nutrient-rich bramble and ivy diets to ensure they arrive healthy, heavy-bodied, and ready for a long life.
Explore the sections below for our biology-led guide on their Philippine forest origins, and why these armoured beauties are the perfect low-maintenance centrepiece for our high-clarity vertical habitats.
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