Pink Wing Stick Insect (Sipyloidea Chlorotica)

The pink wing stick insect (Sipyloidea chlorotica), native to Madagascar, is one of the most popular phasmids in captivity. Its striking pink wings, which give it its name, and its easy-care requirements make it a beloved species and a great choice for beginners. For a long time this species was formerly known as Sipyloidea sipylus. However, towards the end of 2023, it was synonymised and renamed to Sipyloidea chlorotica.

Nymphs: These nymphs display a vibrant lime green colour and possess elongated legs and antennae. They undergo six moults over approximately four months before reaching adulthood.

Females: Due to their parthenogenetic reproduction, captive populations are almost exclusively female – males are very rare. The adult female pink wing stick insect is a medium-sized phasmid, typically measuring ~80-100mm in length. Adults have slender, light brown bodies with thin limbs, long antennae, and visible ovipositors. Their most distinctive feature is their fully functional, transparent wings, which are pink or occasionally white, measuring ~45mm in length.

Females live for ~14-18 months.

The pink wing stick insect is nocturnal, remaining docile during daylight hours and becoming active to feed at night. While they tolerate handling, their functional wings enable them to fly capably when threatened or startled. Care should be taken during handling, as this species tends to shed its legs easily when stressed. When threatened, pink wing stick insects may also release a mildly scented liquid as a defence mechanism. Nymphs can also exhibit thanatosis, feigning death when handled.

Pink wing stick insects primarily feed on bramble, raspberry, rose, oak, hawthorn and beech species. When selecting food plants, ensure they are free from insecticides or other harmful chemicals.

Before offering food to your phasmid, it's advisable to wash the cuttings with water.

To maximise plant longevity and minimise maintenance, consider keeping the food plant in a pot of water within the enclosure. However, take care to cover or reduce the size of the pot's opening to prevent the phasmids from accidentally falling in and drowning.

Always provide a fresh source of food. On average, clean out the enclosure once a week, replacing old food with fresh offerings and adding new substrate to remove waste. This weekly maintenance is also an ideal time to collect any eggs that have been laid.

The pink wing stick insect is an easy-care phasmid and therefore great for beginners.  

Temperature: Maintain temperatures between 18°C to 26°C during the day and night. This wide range of tolerance means this species can be kept at room temperature without issues. The warmer they are kept, the quicker they develop.

Humidity: This species appreciates average humidity levels of approximately 50-70%, though they are more tolerant of dry conditions than many other phasmid species. To maintain appropriate humidity, mist the enclosure every other day, focusing on the food plants. Adequate moisture is crucial for successful moulting, which is essential for the insect's growth and development. Use dechlorinated water for misting to prevent potential harm. A substrate of paper towels or coir (coconut fibre) can help maintain higher humidity levels.

Lighting: Mimic natural day/night cycles using either natural or artificial lighting.

When housing the pink wing stick insect, a minimum enclosure size of 30cm x 30cm x 45cm (width x length x height) is recommended. Additional height is beneficial, as it provides ample space for the insects to hang vertically during moulting.

Proper ventilation is equally important as maintaining high humidity. Ensure ample airflow to prevent stagnant conditions and mould developing. At a minimum, a mesh or netted roof is recommended. Netted material also provides easier grip for the insects, which is especially beneficial during moulting when they often hang from the ceiling.

Female pink wing stick insects reproduce through parthenogenesis, a process that occurs in the absence of males. This results in unfertilised eggs that develop into genetic clones of the mother.

Adult females begin laying eggs two weeks after their final moult, demonstrating high productivity. Unlike some phasmids, this species can adhere its eggs to the enclosure surfaces and leaves. Providing cotton wool in a corner of the cage for egg-laying is recommended, which can then be removed for incubation.

Eggs typically hatch after 2-3 months, a relatively short period compared to species like the Malayan Jungle Nymph. These eggs tolerate drier conditions, requiring only weekly or bi-weekly misting to maintain adequate humidity. Incubate eggs at the same temperature range as nymphs and adults (18°C to 26°C).Ensure they receive daily light exposure and regularly check for mould growth.

If you notice mould on an egg, carefully remove it from the container. You can attempt to gently wipe off the mould using a clean paper towel or soft brush. However, if the mould growth is extensive, it's best to discard the egg to protect the health of the others. If mould has developed, thoroughly clean the container housing the eggs. Pay particular attention to the substrate, especially if using paper towels. Vermiculite or coconut fibre substrates are less prone to mould growth.