Meet the Spiny Leaf Stick Insect: Nature’s Master of Disguise!

In our 'Wriggly Worms and Creepy Crawlies' incursions, we visit schools, kindergartens and childcare centres with many of our insect friends, such as our very popular Spiny Leaf Stick Insects (also known as Extatosoma tiaratum). These are perfect for an audience of teachers, students, or curious nature-lovers.

Australia is home to many weird and wonderful creatures—but few are as fascinating as the Spiny Leaf Stick Insect. With its jagged body, leaf-like limbs, and remarkable camouflage, this insect looks more like a plant than a living thing!

Let’s explore why this insect is a favourite in classrooms, gardens, and among bug lovers everywhere.

🌿 What Is a Spiny Leaf Insect?

The Spiny Leaf Insect (Extatosoma tiaratum) is a type of phasmid, or stick insect, native to the rainforests of Queensland and New South Wales. Females can grow up to 20 cm long and are covered in leafy lobes and thorny spines. They have tiny wings and don't like to fly often due to their larger size. Males are smaller, with long wings they use to fly.

🥬 Incredible Camouflage

These insects are masters of disguise. Their bodies sway like leaves in the breeze to confuse predators. Some even curl their tails over their backs to mimic scorpions—scary!

🐛 Life Cycle

1. Eggs – Tiny, brown and seed-like. Female insects flick them to the ground.

2. Nymphs – When hatched, they look like ants! This helps them stay safe from predators.

3. Adults – As they grow, they moult several times and develop their signature leafy look.

🧡 Gentle Giants

Despite their spiky appearance, Spiny Leaf Insects are harmless and docile. They love to munch on eucalyptus, blackberry, and wattle leaves and are easy to handle, making them perfect classroom pets!

🐞 Fun Fact: These insects can regenerate lost limbs if they lose them during early life stages!

👩🏫 In the Classroom

Teachers and students alike love these creatures! Observing their behaviour, camouflage, and moulting process can support lessons in:

• Science (life cycles, adaptation)

• Art (drawing, symmetry, natural patterns)

• Literacy (writing observational texts and narratives)

🌏 Where Can You Find Them?

You might spot these insects in nature reserves, butterfly houses, or even as pets in people’s homes. They are also bred in captivity and are legal to keep in most Australian states—with a permit.

🐞 Final Thoughts

Whether you're a teacher looking for a new classroom pet or a bug-loving family, Spiny Leaf Stick Insects are a fascinating way to connect with nature. Their unique appearance, calm temperament, and incredible life cycle make them the ultimate “plant-insect illusion.”