Pink-winged Stick Insect

Looks how to spot one

Exoskeleton

The body is slender and light brown, resembling a twig for camouflage. It has long, thin limbs and antennae. The most distinctive feature is the pair of fully functional wings, which are usually pink but can occasionally be white.67

Personality what they are like

These insects are calm and docile, spending most of the day motionless. They are nocturnal, becoming active at night to feed. They tolerate gentle handling, but can fly if startled and may shed legs when stressed.57

Daily activity how busy a day looks

They are nocturnal, so activity is mainly at night. They need space to climb and hang, and a mesh top for molting. They do not require exercise beyond normal movement.65

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

No grooming needed, but the enclosure should be cleaned regularly to prevent waste and mold. Mist the enclosure every other day to maintain humidity, and ensure food plants are free from pesticides.57

Home where they are happiest

A well-ventilated enclosure with a mesh top, at least 30x30x45 cm for a single adult. Temperature between 64-79°F (18-26°C) and humidity 50-70%. Provide branches for climbing and hanging.67

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Herbivorous, feeding on leaves of bramble, raspberry, oak, hawthorn, hazel, elm, maple, beech, birch, alder, rose, and other plants. Offer fresh leaves every other day, ensuring they are pesticide-free.657

Company who they like around

They are solitary by nature, but can be kept in groups if space allows. They do not require companionship. Handle gently and infrequently to avoid stress or injury.57

The story where it all began

The pink-winged stick insect is native to Madagascar and has become widespread across tropical Asia. It has been kept as a pet for many years due to its ease of care and striking appearance. In captivity, populations are almost entirely female because they reproduce by parthenogenesis, meaning females lay fertile eggs without mating. This makes them a fascinating species for hobbyists and educational purposes.126

Recognised by the official bits

Orthoptera & Allied Insects

Recognised as a common pet species, identifiable by pink wings on all adults.1

National Parks Board (Singapore)

Listed as a stick insect species in Singapore, noted for parthenogenetic reproduction.2

Popularity One of the most common stick insects in the pet trade.6