Vietnamese Stick Insects For Sale UK (Ramulus artemis) PSG 144 - Nymphs/Adults

• Vietnamese Rainforest Origins: Native to the lush, humid tropical forests of Vietnam. Biologically, they are adapted to a life high in the forest canopy, where they blend seamlessly with thin vines and fresh new growth. This tropical heritage means they appreciate slightly higher humidity than the Indian species, making them a perfect fit for a well-misted bioactive setup.

 

• Elongated Morphology and Appearance: Reaching lengths of up to 12–15cm, R. artemis is significantly longer and more spindly than many other common phasmids. Their bodies are remarkably smooth and typically a vivid, uniform green, though they can sometimes develop subtle brown or yellow hues depending on their environment. Their exceptionally long front legs are often held straight out in front of them, extending their "stick" disguise to nearly 20cm in total length.

 

• The "Parthenogenetic" Advantage: Similar to the Indian Stick Insect, males of this species are extremely rare in captivity. The females reproduce via parthenogenesis, laying small, seed-like eggs that hatch into identical clones of the mother. This makes them an incredibly sustainable and fascinating species to keep, as a single insect can provide a continuous window into the world of phasmid metamorphosis.

 

• Swaying Motion Mimicry: To enhance their camouflage, Vietnamese Stick Insects exhibit a rhythmic "swaying" motion. This is a deliberate biological behaviour designed to mimic a thin twig or leaf moving in a gentle tropical breeze, effectively masking their movement from the sharp eyes of predatory birds and lizards.

 

• The Three-Times Height Rule: Because of their extreme length, R. artemis is at a higher risk of mismoulting if kept in cramped conditions. They require an enclosure at least three times their total body length in height to allow them to hang vertically and slide out of their old exoskeleton safely. Our bespoke vertical acrylic enclosures are the gold standard for this species, providing the necessary height and secure grip surfaces.

 

• Hydration and Humidity: While they are hardy, these Vietnamese natives require a daily misting of their foliage. They prefer to drink droplets of water directly from leaves rather than from a standing water source. Our bespoke vented enclosures ensure that this vital humidity is maintained without the air becoming stagnant, which is essential for preventing fungal issues.

 

• A Docile "Display" Species: Despite their large size, they are incredibly gentle and slow-moving. They do not possess any defensive sprays or sharp spines, making them an excellent choice for a peaceful display where the focus is on observing natural, undisturbed behaviour.

• Adult size: 18-21cm
• Lifespan: approx. 1 year
• Status: captive bred
• Place of Origin: Vietnam
• Parthenogenic: yes
• Temperature: 20-24˚C
• Humidity: 70-90%
• Diet: Bramble, Raspberry, Oak, Rose, Hazel

 

• Special requirements: Adults will drop limbs very easily when overpopulated, so monitor your group size closely

The EntoScapes Way

 

• We like to keep our stick insects around 20-22˚C and humidity ranges between 70-80%, but these will do just fine at average room temperature so long as the humidity is kept in the higher ranges which aids the moulting process.

 

• Enclosure size should be at least 3x the length of the body of the insect in height, and at least 2x the length of the insect in width. If housing different suitable species together, use the largest individual as a guide. Around 5-8 individuals will live together just fine in a 60cm x 40cm enclosure. 

 

• We use a mesh enclosure, like the ones designed for keeping butterflies, as we find the mesh provides excellent cross-ventilation. As these invertebrates are arboreal, its important to try and replicate these conditions in captivity. Alternatively, a tall glass or plastic enclosure can be used if it has adequate ventilation, and humidity can be maintained by mist spraying the enclosure once a day. We add a variety of hardwood branches as décor and to provide a more natural, enriching habitat.

 

• We like to line the floor of the enclosure with some paper towels which catch the faeces and absorb excess moisture, reducing the chances of mould. The light colouration of the tissue also helps with spotting eggs and differentiating them from droppings.

 

• Once a week we replace the tissue and separate out eggs from poo. It is important to mention that we only collect as many eggs as we can care for, the remainder are frozen to prevent hatching. Eggs can be incubated in moist sphagnum moss at 20-22˚C and can take between 2-6 months to hatch. 

 

• We like to gather our own foodplants for our stick insects from local parks and forests which we know are safe and have minimal or no pesticide use. We suggest picking branches with leaves that are away from the main path, higher than ground level, and are healthy and free from signs of fungal infections and disease. Generally, if the leaves are green, intact and have other little critters living on them, then you are good to go!  

 

• We cut the branches at a length that is 10cm or so less than the height of the enclosure which ensures there is a suitable gap at the top for stick insects to moult. The branches are soaked in water for 15-20 minutes to remove any surface debris and hitchhikers. The end of the branches are placed in a jar of fresh water to keep the cuttings fresher for longer. We push some paper towel into the top of the jar to close off the opening which prevents any smaller stick insects from drowning, but you can also use sponges or non-spill paint pots. 

 

• Once a week we replace the branches with fresh ones, but this can vary for different hobbyists. 

• More in depth info on shipping and returns can be found on the shipping and T&Cs, and FAQ page

 

• Our shipping rates are determined by the total weight of your cart at checkout.

 

The shipping bands are:

• 0-1kg - £4.99

• 1-2kg - £5.99

• 2-10kg - £7.99

• 10kg+ - £9.99

 

• Live orders and dry goods will be posted every TUESDAY. We will contact you if anything changes due to bad weather or delays. 

 

• LIVE ORDERS- sent with Royal Mail Tracked 24 and usually arrive next day after dispatch 

 

• DRY GOODS & ENCLOSURES- sent with Royal Mail Tracked 48 and usually arrive 2 working days after dispatch. We will contact you regarding a dispatch day for enclosure orders.