Macleay's Spectre
£6.00
VAT excluded
Macleay’s Spectres (Extatosoma tiaratum), also known as Giant Prickly Stick Insects or Spiny Leaf Insects, are native to the forests of Australia, particularly Queensland and New South Wales. These masters of disguise thrive in warm, humid environments where they mimic dried leaves and twigs to avoid predators. During the day, they remain still and well-camouflaged, becoming active at night to feed.
🪲 Species Facts: Macleay’s Spectre (Extatosoma tiaratum)
👧 Perfect for kids – These little guys are active during the day, naturally gentle, and curious by nature.
🕺 Funny walkers – When they move, they rock back and forth like leaves blowing in the wind, confusing predators and entertaining observers!
📏 Medium-large size – Adults grow to around 13–15 cm (5–6 inches), with leaf-like legs and long spiny limbs.
🌿 Incredible camouflage – Their bodies mimic twigs, bark, and dried leaves, blending perfectly with their surroundings.
🦋 Males can fly – Adult males are smaller, thinner, and have functional wings, allowing them to flutter between branches.
🚺 Females can’t fly – Chunkier and wingless, females rely on their bulk and camouflage for protection.
🐛 Easy to handle – Their slow, gentle movements make them ideal for beginner insect keepers and classroom pets.
🥬 Enjoy a varied diet – Feeds well on bramble, oak, eucalyptus, rose, and raspberry leaves.
🌞 Diurnal explorers – Unlike most stick insects, Macleay’s Spectres are often active during the day, especially in warm, bright enclosures.
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.
1 Item
You might also like
1 other product in the same category:
Macleay’s Spectres (Extatosoma tiaratum), also known as Giant Prickly Stick Insects or Spiny Leaf Insects, are native to the forests of Australia, particularly Queensland and New South Wales. These masters of disguise thrive in warm, humid environments where they mimic dried leaves and twigs to avoid predators. During the day, they remain still and well-camouflaged, becoming active at night to feed.