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What stick insects eat is always an important consideration for those new to acquiring these creatures as pets. Some of these individuals might want to know if stick insects eat lilly pilly, especially if this plant is readily available in their surrounding area.
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What is Lilly Pilly?
Lilly pilly trees and shrubs – native to Australia – have dark green, glossy leaves. They are hardy plants that grow just as well in shade as they do in sun. As you might imagine then, the fact that this plant is one that grows well in most conditions mean it makes for a popular choice for hedging. As such, it is abundant across Australia.
Is Lilly Pilly Suitable Food for Stick Insects?
Stick insects are found on every continent, with the exception of Antarctica. As herbivores, stick insects eat a plant-based diet and leaves from plants such as lilly pilly are among their favorite (I am talking stick insect species endemic to Australia here). These Australian sticks also enjoy eucalyptus (gum) leaves as well as leaves from the peppermint tree. In other parts of the world, stick insects enjoy leaves from plants such as privet, ivy, and hawthorn.
How to Know What Food to Give Your Stick Insect
There are many different types of lilly pilly plants. And there is no guarantee that stick insects will eat every type of lilly pilly leaf. What you can do is put some of the leaves into the enclosure to check. The good thing about stick insects is that they will only eat plants that they like. They will steer clear of plants that they either do not like or that will be toxic to them.
If your stick insect is partial to lilly pilly leaves, you are obviously going to notice that the leaves have been eaten. Stick insects tend to strip leaves, so you are definitely going to notice if they have been munching on them. If, however, the leaves have not been touched, it will be necessary to find a different food source, as no matter how hungry your stick insects are, they will not eat food that they do not like. This could lead to starvation if no appropriate leaves are introduced into the enclosure.
