Mossy Stick Insect
£7.00
VAT excluded
The mossy stick insect (Taraxippus samarae) is a brilliantly camouflaged species native to the rainforests of Central and South America. Its body is covered in textured, moss-like projections that break up its outline, allowing it to blend seamlessly into lichen-covered branches and bark. This remarkable disguise, combined with its slow, deliberate movements and nocturnal habits, makes it nearly invisible to predators in its damp, shaded habitat.
🪲 Species Facts: Mossy Stick Insect (Taraxippus samarae)
🌿 Nature’s moss mimic – With spiny, lichen-like textures and irregular bodies, these stick insects look like a bit of moss or bark brought to life.
🟢🌱 Incredible disguise – Shades of green, brown, and grey combine with textured surfaces to blend perfectly into lichen-covered branches and forest undergrowth.
📏 Medium to large size – Adults typically reach around 9–12 cm (3.5–4.75 inches), with a spiny, rugged body and short limbs designed for camouflage, not speed.
👨👩👧👦 A quirky species for patient keepers – Hardy and fascinating, but best for those with some experience due to humidity needs and slower development.
🌾 Fussy but manageable eaters – Feed primarily on bramble, but may also accept rose, raspberry, and other soft-leaved plants. Trial and error may be needed.
💧 High humidity needed – They thrive in humid, well-ventilated setups with natural décor and climbing space. Dry air can cause moulting issues.
🐣 Eggs hatch in 4–6 months – Females can lay fertile eggs without mating (parthenogenetic), though male/female breeding is also successful.
🪨 No flashy flyers here – Both sexes are flightless, with females being chunkier and better camouflaged.
🌙 Quiet and cryptic – Nocturnal and slow-moving, they rely entirely on stillness and camouflage to avoid detection.
🌎 Found in Central America – Mainly Costa Rica and Panama, where they live in the cool, damp cloud forests and mossy lower 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 mossy stick insect (Taraxippus samarae) is a brilliantly camouflaged species native to the rainforests of Central and South America. Its body is covered in textured, moss-like projections that break up its outline, allowing it to blend seamlessly into lichen-covered branches and bark. This remarkable disguise, combined with its slow, deliberate movements and nocturnal habits, makes it nearly invisible to predators in its damp, shaded habitat.