Blue metallic

🪲 Species Facts: Blue Metallic Stick Insect (Achrioptera fallax)

⚠️ Challenging species – Best suited to experienced keepers. They can be fussy about temperature, humidity, and food, and nymphs are especially delicate in early stages.

💙 Absolutely stunning – Males display an iridescent blue-metallic body that looks almost unreal in natural light.

🧗 Curious climbers – They're active, bold, and inquisitive, often seen exploring their enclosure during the day.

📏 Slender and graceful – Adults grow to around 13–14 cm (5–5.5 inches), with long legs and delicate antennae.

🍃 Surprisingly picky – While they’ll try several plant types, many keepers find they show a strong preference for oak, bramble, or roses.

🧬 Sexually dimorphic – Males are slim, vibrantly coloured, and often more active. Females are bulkier, with earthier tones and lack the bright blue sheen.

⚠️ Sensitive early on – Nymphs are fragile in their first few molts, so stable warmth, good humidity, and gentle care are essential.

🌙 Mostly nocturnal – Though sometimes active during the day, they really come alive at dusk and night.

🦗 Gentle nature – Despite their striking look, they’re calm and easy to manage once settled, making them a favourite among enthusiasts.

🌿 Native to Madagascar – These rare and spectacular insects come from one of the world’s most unique ecosystems.

Still unsure if this species is for you - check out our Stick Insect comparison sheet on the Attachments tab to compare species and see what's the right fit for you.

🐣 Healthy Nymphs Only

We only send out L3 stage stick insect nymphs or older. “L3” means the insect has shed its skin twice since hatching, making it stronger, more stable, and easier to care for than newly hatched (L1) nymphs.

🐛 Stick Insect Care Tip
Due to the natural fragility of stick insects at this age, it’s normal that not all individuals will survive the early stages of life — even with excellent care and conditions. To increase your chances of success, we highly recommend starting with a small group (e.g., 3 or more). This not only improves survival odds but also gives your insects a more natural and enriching environment.

Most customers choose 3+ nymphs for the best experience.

🎥 Want to See Them in Action?

Curious what these incredible insects look like up close? Watch our nymphs feeding, molting, climbing and exploring their environment on YouTube.

👉 Click here to view them on YouTube

It’s a great way to get a feel for their behaviour and decide if they’re right for you.

📦 Thoughtfully Packaged
Your insects will arrive in a secure box containing a small supply of fresh food to keep them comfortable and fed during their journey.

🚚 Smart Shipping Days
We ship orders Monday to Wednesday only, to avoid the risk of your insects being delayed in transit over the weekend. This helps ensure they reach you promptly and safely.

❄️ Cold Weather Precautions
If the overnight temperature drops below 4°C, we’ll hold off on shipping until it’s safe to send. Our top priority is the wellbeing of your insects.