Spiny Leaf Insects

Meet one of Australia’s most fascinating insect pets! Spiny Leaf Insects (Extatosoma tiaratum), also known as Macleay’s Spectre, are famous for their incredible leaf-like camouflage, unusual spiny appearance and gentle nature.

These Australian stick insects make fascinating pets for both adults and kids. They spend much of their time hidden amongst fresh foliage, swaying and moving like leaves to blend into their surroundings. As they grow, you’ll get to watch them change through a series of moults before developing their incredible adult form.

Our Spiny Leaf Insects are supplied as unsexed juveniles (approx 30-40mm) and can be purchased individually if you already have a suitable setup, or as a complete starter kit with the essentials to get you going.

Choose Your Spiny Leaf Insect

🐛 Spiny Leaf Insect Juvenile
One juvenile Spiny Leaf Insect. Perfect if you already have a suitable enclosure and everything you need to care for your new insect.

🌿 Small Spiny Leaf Insect Kit (coming soon!)
A compact starter setup that’s perfect for raising a juvenile Spiny.

Includes:
• 1 × juvenile Spiny Leaf Insect
• 1 × 30 × 30 × 30 cm pop-up mesh enclosure
• 1 × spray bottle

As your Spiny grows, it will eventually need a taller enclosure with enough vertical space to moult safely

🌳 Large Spiny Leaf Insect Kit (coming soon!)
Our larger setup with extra vertical space and a pair of juvenile Spinies.

Includes:
• 2 × juvenile Spiny Leaf Insects
• 1 × 30 × 30 × 60 cm pop-up mesh enclosure
• 1 × spray bottle

The taller enclosure provides plenty of climbing and moulting space as your insects grow, making this our recommended option if you want a larger setup from the beginning.

Why You’ll Love Them

🍂 Incredible camouflage – Their curled bodies and leaf-like appearance make them fascinating to observe
🐛 Watch them grow – See your Spiny change through successive moults as it matures
🌿 Simple feeding – Primarily feeds on fresh eucalyptus (gum) leaves
👀 Gentle and fascinating – A unique insect pet that’s easy to observe up close
🧪 Easy to get started – Choose a single insect or a complete kit with the essentials included

Care Snapshot

🌡️ Temperature: Normal indoor room temperature
💦 Water: Lightly mist fresh foliage daily to provide drinking droplets
🌿 Food: Fresh eucalyptus (gum) leaves, replaced before they dry out
🏠 Enclosure: Well-ventilated with plenty of vertical space for climbing and moulting
☀️ Position: Bright indoor location away from direct sunlight and excessive heat

For full setup, feeding, moulting and handling information, see our Spiny Leaf Insect Care Guide.

Shipping Info

🚚 Express Shipping: Sent via Express Post at the beginning of the week to minimise time in transit
📦 Packaging: Securely packed with fresh foliage for safe transport
🌡️ Weather: Dispatch may be delayed during unsuitable temperatures for the safety of your insect
🚫 Restrictions: See our Shipping Information page for current live-insect shipping areas and restrictions

From tiny juvenile to spectacular leaf-mimicking adult, Spiny Leaf Insects are an incredible way to bring a little piece of the Australian bush into your home.

Leaf Insects

Spiny Leaf Insect Nymphs