Not furry either, still lovely.
Philippine Leaf Insect
Phyllium philippinicum
Also called Philippine walking leaf, Phyllium sp. Philippines
From Endemic to the Philippines, notably Luzon; the type specimen came from Bataan Province and captive stock from Subic, Zambales.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Females 6.5-9.8 cm long, males 5.5-6.8 cm.
Adult stage only: males up to about 4 months, females usually 6-9 months and occasionally a year.
Looks how to spot one
Flat, leaf-shaped exoskeleton
A wide, flat insect shaped like a leaf, with leafy flaps on the legs. Females are broad with only forewings; males are narrower with full hind wings and can make short flights.2
Personality what they are like
Very peaceful. It spends the day sitting still on its food plant and sways gently when it moves, like a leaf in the wind. Adult males wander at night looking for females.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low. Mostly motionless by day; tiny nymphs run about briefly after hatching before they settle to feed.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
No grooming. Keep fresh food plants available and mist them with lukewarm water every 2-3 days. Handle gently, as they can drop legs if grabbed.2
Home where they are happiest
A well-ventilated enclosure kept at about 22-27 C and 60-80% humidity, tall enough for hanging moults.23
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Mainly bramble (blackberry) leaves; oak and guava are also accepted.2
Company who they like around
Can live in groups in a roomy enclosure with plenty of food plants.2
The story where it all began
Leaf insects from the Philippines were bred by hobbyists for years under a placeholder name. The species was officially described in 2009, and today's captive lines trace back to animals collected in Zambales around 2000-2001.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Taxonomy (via Wikipedia)
- Formally described in 2009 by Hennemann, Conle, Gottardo and Bresseel in Zootaxa. Earlier kept in the hobby as Phyllium sp. (Philippines) under PSG number 278.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Philippine Leaf Insect. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Humidity checkevery 2 days
- Water dishevery 2 days
- FeedingDepends on species, size and moult stagevaries
- Spot cleanRemove leftover foodevery week
- Moult noteLeave them in peace while moulting and note it in the diaryvaries
- Substrate changeevery 6 months
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Philippine Leaf Insect?
You should always have fresh food plants available for your leaf insect. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding depends on the species, size and moult stage, so check the food plant daily and replace it when it looks eaten or dry.2 Furry Diary plan
What does a Philippine Leaf Insect eat, and what should it never eat?
Your leaf insect mainly eats bramble (blackberry) leaves, and also accepts oak and guava leaves. Never feed it anything else, as its diet is very specific; if unsure, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.2
How much space does a Philippine Leaf Insect need?
It needs a well-ventilated enclosure that is tall enough for it to hang its moults. For a group, use a roomy enclosure with plenty of food plants; a good breeder can advise on exact size.23
What temperature, light or water does a Philippine Leaf Insect need?
Keep the enclosure at about 22-27 C with 60-80% humidity. Mist the food plants with lukewarm water every 2-3 days, and Furry Diary's plan suggests checking humidity every 2 days and providing a water dish.23 Furry Diary plan
How often should I clean a Philippine Leaf Insect's home?
Spot clean leftover food every 7 days, and change the substrate every 180 days as per Furry Diary's plan. Always leave your insect in peace while it is moulting. Furry Diary plan
Can a Philippine Leaf Insect live with others?
Yes, they can live in groups in a roomy enclosure with plenty of food plants. They are very peaceful and spend the day sitting still.2
How long does a Philippine Leaf Insect live?
They live from about 4 months to 1 year. This varies with care, so ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet for tips on maximizing lifespan.2
Can I handle a Philippine Leaf Insect?
You can handle them very gently, but they may drop a leg if grabbed. It is best to let them sit still on their food plant and avoid unnecessary handling.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Phyllium philippinicum - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for description history, range
- Phyllium philippinicum - German Wikipedia de.wikipedia.orgused for size, colours, behaviour, care, eggs, lifespan, history, fun facts
- Stick insect care sheet - Amateur Entomologists' Society amentsoc.orgused for general enclosure guidance
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.