Vietnamese Stick Bug (Ramulus artemis)

Vietnamese Stick Bugs have very long front legs. They are one of the easiest Stick Bug to take care for. Nymphs mature to their adult form in three months. They leave for 3 to 4 months after reaching adult size. They are nocturnal, which means they remain virtually motionless throughout the day. Nymphs that have missing limbs are likely to regenerate the missing parts at the next molt. They are are sexual, but parthenogenetic if there is no male in the population.

Female: adults get up to 4- 4 1/4 inches (10-11cm) long. Apterous, with very short antennas. Usually plain green but sometimes reddish or brown in color. The most intriguing thing about them i think is when you hold them on their leg or make it some how feel like it is stuck, the female will take out its very sharp needle which is located on the end on the underside of its abdomen, and hit you constantly with that needle really hard.

Male: adults get up to 3 1/8- 3 1/2 inches (8-9cm), shiny brown with white knees. In contrast to the females, a lot thinner with a smooth head. Males have a full set of wings. Also males are very rare in captivity.

Diet: Bramble, Hawthorn, Ivy, Raspberry, Rose, Oak, Hazel, Cherry, Red/ Yellow Salmon Berry.

Ova.

Few weeks old nymph.

Body view.

Head and eye view

Head and Thorax view.

With front legs adults measure up to 8 inches (20cm) long. Notice the needle at the end of its abdomen, they will use it when threatened.