- New
Leaf Insect
£5.00
VAT excluded
The Philippine leaf insect (Phyllium philippinicum) is a striking specialist in leafy camouflage, native to the forested islands of the Philippines. Its broad, vivid-green body perfectly mirrors a living leaf, with wing edges and even legs etched like delicate veins. By staying still through daylight hours and venturing out at night to nibble on guava and other host leaves, it blends seamlessly into the canopy and evades predators, thriving in the warm, humid climate of its tropical home.
🪲 Species Facts: Philippine Leaf Insect (Phyllium philippinicum)
🌿 Living green leaves – These master mimics look exactly like fresh foliage, with bright-green bodies and delicate vein-like markings that fool even sharp-eyed predators.
💚 Brilliant camouflage – Their vivid colour blends with tropical leaves, while slightly serrated edges and tiny “bite marks” add to the illusion.
📏 Graceful growers – Females reach about 8–9 cm (3–3.5 in) in length; slimmer males average 5–6 cm (2–2.5 in) and are more agile.
👩🌾 Beginner-friendly – Hardy and calm, they suit careful new keepers as long as warmth and humidity stay consistent.
🥗 Leafy diet – Thrive on bramble, raspberry, guava, and oak; always provide young, fresh leaves for the best feeding response.
💧 Moist and warm – Maintain high humidity and a gentle misting routine, especially around moults, to ensure smooth growth.
🐣 Easy breeders – Females can reproduce parthenogenetically, laying eggs without a male, though mixed groups can yield both sexes.
🪽 Winged males only – Males develop functional wings for short flights, while females remain broad and flightless for superior disguise.
🌙 Nighttime nibblers – Primarily nocturnal, they stay motionless through the day, hidden in plain sight among the Philippine rainforest canopy.
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, 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.
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The Philippine leaf insect (Phyllium philippinicum) is a striking specialist in leafy camouflage, native to the forested islands of the Philippines. Its broad, vivid-green body perfectly mirrors a living leaf, with wing edges and even legs etched like delicate veins. By staying still through daylight hours and venturing out at night to nibble on guava and other host leaves, it blends seamlessly into the canopy and evades predators, thriving in the warm, humid climate of its tropical home.