Leslie Massey
Stick insects, also known as phasmids, are insects that eat leaves and resemble leaves or sticks. They are usually green or brown but may reveal brightly coloured underwings when they fly. There are about 150 species of phasmids found in Australia, with new species being discovered regularly. They usually live in gum trees but are sometimes found in gardens on rose bushes or fruit trees. They feed on a variety of plant species, including eucalyptus, rose, and raspberry leaves. Some species, like the Goliath Stick Insect, are found in the forested areas of eastern Australia, while others occur in arid, coastal, and monsoonal environments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Spiny Leaf Insect |
| Scientific Name | Extatosoma tiaratum |
| Diet | Eucalyptus leaves, rose leaves, raspberry leaves, Lilly Pilly (Syzygium australe or Acmena smithii), Golden Penda Xanthostemon chrysanthus |
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What You'll Learn
Spiny Leaf Insects eat eucalyptus leaves
Australian leaf insects, or phasmids, are insects that eat leaves and resemble leaves or sticks. They are usually green or brown but may reveal brightly coloured underwings when they fly. They have developed many unusual shapes to camouflage themselves to avoid detection by predators.
Spiny Leaf Insects, or Extatosoma tiaratum, are a species of Australian leaf insect. They are popular pets in Australia and overseas. Spiny Leaf Insects eat eucalyptus leaves but have also been raised on rose and raspberry leaves by keepers outside of Australia, where eucalyptus is not always available. They also eat bramble leaves.
Spiny Leaf Insects live in gum trees but are sometimes found in gardens on rose bushes or fruit trees. They usually live in forested areas in eastern Australia, but there are also species that occur in arid, coastal and monsoonal environments.
Spiny Leaf Insects are one of around 150 species of phasmids found in Australia, with a total worldwide number of 3000, and new species are being discovered regularly by scientists.
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They can also eat rose and raspberry leaves
Australian leaf insects, or phasmids, are insects that eat leaves and resemble leaves or sticks. They are usually green or brown and typically live in gum trees, but they can also be found in gardens on rose bushes or fruit trees.
Roses are susceptible to various pests and diseases, including insects that feed on their leaves. While aphids are the most common rose pest, other insects that eat rose leaves include two-spotted spider mites, thrips, and female leaf-cutting bees. These insects can cause damage to rose leaves by creating holes or other types of distortion.
Two-spotted spider mites are more prevalent during hot and dry weather, while southern red mites favor cooler weather in spring and fall. Spider mites have piercing-sucking mouthparts and feed on the lower surface of the leaf, resulting in yellow or white speckling on the upper surface. Severe infestations can cause leaves to turn grayish-green or bronze and may even cause leaf drop.
Thrips are tiny, yellowish-brown insects with fringed or feathery wings. They are difficult to spot without magnification, but they can be detected by gently blowing on the blooms and leaves, which will cause them to move. Thrips feed on the roses and can cause damage to the plants.
Female leaf-cutting bees create neat, round holes in rose leaves, usually starting at the edge. These holes are about 3/8" across and may appear singly or in groups. The bees use the cut pieces of leaves to line their nests, providing food for their young.
While raspberries also face pest issues, there is limited information on insects that specifically feed on raspberry leaves. Birds, such as those mentioned earlier, can be both helpful and detrimental in the garden. They can aid in pest control by eating insects like aphids, caterpillars, mosquitoes, and spiders. However, they may also feed on raspberries and other fruits, so it is necessary to implement strategies to protect the berries, such as draping netting over the bushes or using bird netting specifically designed for this purpose.
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Lilly Pilly is another food source
Australian leaf insects, or phasmids, are insects that eat leaves and resemble leaves or sticks. They are usually green or brown and typically live in gum trees, but can also be found in gardens on rose bushes or fruit trees.
Lilly Pilly trees are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of soils, from sandy loam to heavy clay, as long as there is adequate drainage. They prefer moist, fertile soil and full sun to partial shade, but can also tolerate full shade, drought, and strong winds, making them suitable for coastal gardens. They are also tolerant of alkaline and slightly acidic soils, and while they prefer a humid environment, they can adapt to dry conditions once established.
There are several cultivars of Lilly Pilly, including "Tiny Trev", a compact, dwarf variety that reaches a maximum height of around 1 meter. "Tiny Trev" has glossy green leaves and produces clusters of small, white flowers in the summer, followed by red berries. Another cultivar is "Orange Twist", which is known for its unique and striking foliage. It has twisted and curled new growth that is a vibrant orange colour, which turns into a deep green as the leaves mature. "Big Red" is another cultivar known for its vibrant red new growth and large glossy green leaves. It can grow up to 5-6 meters tall but can be kept smaller with regular pruning.
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Golden Penda is a suitable alternative
Australian leaf insects, or phasmids, are insects that eat leaves and resemble leaves or sticks. They are usually green or brown and are found in gum trees, gardens on rose bushes, or fruit trees. One species of Australian leaf insect, Walaphyllium monteithi, is found in tropical rainforests and thrives when feeding on Lilly Pilly (Syzygium australe or Acmena smithii).
The Walaphyllium monteithi leaf insect is quite selective in its diet, feeding only on Lilly Pilly or Golden Penda foliage. This preference for specific food plants is an important consideration for those interested in purchasing these insects. Before acquiring Walaphyllium monteithi, it is recommended to ensure access to either of these food plants.
Golden Penda is an attractive option as it is a fast-growing tree that can be pruned to the desired size, making it suitable for gardens of various sizes. It is also relatively pest and disease-resistant, with only occasional issues from sap-sucking pests like aphids. The tree's nectar attracts birds, bees, and butterflies, contributing to a vibrant garden ecosystem.
In addition to its practical benefits, Golden Penda has aesthetic appeal with its bright yellow flowers. Its compact, rounded canopy and drought tolerance make it a popular choice for those seeking an attractive yet low-maintenance tree. Overall, Golden Penda is a suitable and recommended alternative food source for the Walaphyllium monteithi Australian leaf insect.
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Some species eat Acacia (wattles)
Most Australian leaf insects, or phasmids, feed on either or both Eucalyptus (gum trees) and Acacia (wattles). Some species of leaf insects are specialists, such as the Peppermint Stick Insect, which only eats the leaves of the Screw Pine. However, some species are less picky and can be fed a variety of leaves, including eucalyptus, rose, and raspberry.
Acacia, also known as wattle, is a diverse genus of shrubs and trees that are native to Australia. They are known for their distinctive leaf-like structures called phyllodes, which are modified petioles or leaf stems. Wattles are an important food source for many Australian native animals, including leaf insects.
The Acacia tree has a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria that live in root nodules. This allows the tree to grow in poor soil conditions and provides a source of nitrogen for the leaf insects that feed on its leaves. Wattles are also a significant source of food for other insects, such as the gall-forming wasp, which lays its eggs on the leaves, causing the plant to form a protective gall around the eggs.
The leaves of the Acacia tree are small and compound, with a delicate texture that is easy for leaf insects to consume. The insects typically feed on the leaves directly, but they may also ingest the sap or other plant parts. Some species of leaf insects are known to feed on the flowers and pods of the Acacia tree as well.
Australian leaf insects play an important ecological role in the ecosystem by helping to control the population of Acacia trees and contributing to the dispersal of their seeds.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian leaf insects, or phasmids, eat leaves and resemble leaves or sticks. They feed on a variety of plant species, including eucalyptus (gum trees), acacia (wattles), and Lilly Pilly (Syzygium australe or Acmena smithii).
Australian leaf insects are insects that belong to the order Phasmatodea. They are usually green or brown and may reveal brightly coloured underwings when they fly. There are about 150 species of phasmids found in Australia, and they are popular as pets.
Australian leaf insects live in a range of habitats, including forested areas, arid environments, coastal regions, and monsoonal environments. They are typically found in gum trees but can also be found in gardens on rose bushes or fruit trees.
