Autumn Leaf Insect Care Guide
Phyllium tobeloense 'Galela'
Autumn Leaf Insects are a particularly impressive species of leaf insect, growing considerably larger than the commonly kept Philippine Leaf Insect. Their beautiful leaf-like appearance can vary considerably between individuals, including shades of green, yellow, orange and reddish-brown.
They are relatively straightforward to rear once established, but their large adult size means that they require plenty of space. Young nymphs need particular attention to humidity, fresh food and successful feeding.
Housing
A tall, well-ventilated enclosure is essential.
Leaf insects moult by hanging beneath a branch or other surface and pulling themselves downwards from their old skin. They therefore need considerably more vertical space than their body length.
For a small number of adults, we recommend an enclosure of at least approximately 30 × 30 × 45–60 cm, with larger accommodation for bigger groups.
Young nymphs can initially be kept in smaller enclosures. This makes it easier for them to remain close to their food and allows their humidity to be managed more easily. Move them into larger accommodation as they grow.
Mesh provides useful climbing and moulting surfaces and also helps maintain the airflow this species requires.
Avoid Overcrowding
This is particularly important with P. tobeloense.
When too many insects are kept together, females may sometimes feed on the leaf-like edges of other females' abdomens, mistaking them for food.
Providing plenty of fresh foliage and sufficient space greatly reduces the likelihood of this happening.
Temperature
Normal warm household temperatures are generally suitable.
Aim for approximately:
Day: 22–27°C
Night: 18–20°C
Avoid large temperature fluctuations, cold draughts and placing the enclosure directly beside a radiator.
Never leave the enclosure in direct sunlight. Glass and plastic enclosures can become dangerously hot surprisingly quickly.
Humidity, Ventilation & Water
Young P. tobeloense appreciate relatively humid conditions, but humidity must be combined with good airflow.
For young nymphs, aim for approximately 75% relative humidity or above, while around 60%+ is generally suitable for adults.
Young nymphs can be lightly misted once daily. Their enclosure should then be able to dry again within a few hours rather than remaining permanently wet.
This wet-and-dry cycle helps provide the moisture required for drinking and successful moulting without creating stagnant conditions.
Older nymphs and adults are more tolerant and generally do not require such frequent spraying if the ambient humidity is already suitable.
Avoid open drinking bowls. Leaf insects obtain the water they need from droplets and fresh foliage.
Host Plants & Feeding
The most practical food plant for UK keepers is:
Bramble (blackberry)
Other suitable foods can include:
- Raspberry
- Rose
- Oak
- Guava
Bramble makes an excellent staple and has the advantage of remaining available in many parts of the UK throughout winter.
Whichever plant you use, make sure it has not been treated with pesticides, herbicides or other garden chemicals. Be particularly cautious with ornamental roses and plants purchased from garden centres.
Feeding Young Nymphs
Newly hatched nymphs can sometimes have difficulty beginning to feed.
Always provide fresh leaves within easy reach. With very small nymphs, cutting or trimming the edges of the leaves can help expose the softer inner tissue and encourage them to start eating.
Don't put a handful of tiny nymphs into a huge enclosure with only a small amount of food. They need to be able to find their way back to the food easily.
Once you can see clear feeding damage and the nymphs have become established, they generally become much easier to rear.
Keeping Food Fresh
Cut food stems can be stood in water, which keeps the foliage fresh for considerably longer.
The water container must be completely covered around the stems. Never leave an open jar or container of water in the enclosure, as nymphs can fall in and drown.
Replace foliage as it begins to deteriorate and make sure plenty of food is available at all times.
Providing abundant foliage becomes particularly important as the insects grow, both because of their appetite and because it reduces the chance of adults attempting to nibble one another.
Moulting
Like all leaf insects, P. tobeloense periodically sheds its outer skin as it grows.
Before moulting, the insect will find a suitable position and hang downwards. It then gradually pulls itself free of its old skin.
Never handle or disturb an insect that is moulting or preparing to moult.
Humidity is particularly important for young nymphs, but sufficient vertical space is equally essential.
This becomes especially important before the final moult because P. tobeloense develops into a very large insect. Check that larger nymphs cannot choose a position where leaves, branches or the enclosure floor prevent them from hanging freely.
Recently moulted insects are extremely soft and should be left undisturbed while their new exoskeleton hardens.
Handling
Despite their size, leaf insects are delicate.
The safest way to move one is to allow it to walk onto your hand, a leaf or another object.
Never pull a leaf insect from its food plant. Its legs can be damaged or detached surprisingly easily.
A small, soft paintbrush can be useful for directing newly hatched nymphs without having to pick them up.
Handling should generally be kept to a minimum, particularly with small nymphs and insects approaching a moult.
Adults
One of the attractions of P. tobeloense is the impressive size and appearance of the adults.
Females become large, broad and extremely leaf-like, while males are noticeably slimmer and develop functional wings.
Colouration can vary substantially. Although many individuals are predominantly green, others can develop beautiful yellow, orange, reddish or brown tones. This natural variation is why they are often known as Autumn Leaf Insects.
Adult males are capable of flight, so take care when opening their enclosure.
Eggs & Breeding
Males and females will normally begin mating after reaching adulthood, and females subsequently drop their eggs onto the enclosure floor.
Eggs can be collected regularly and incubated separately.
Females can be prolific and may produce several eggs per day under suitable conditions.
The species is also capable of parthenogenesis, meaning females can produce viable eggs even when males are absent.
Incubating Eggs
Eggs can be incubated in a small ventilated container.
Coconut fibre, vermiculite or another suitable moisture-retaining substrate can be used. Keep conditions humid without leaving the eggs constantly wet.
A temperature of approximately 20–24°C is suitable for incubation.
Hatching commonly takes around 4–5 months, although some eggs can take considerably longer, potentially 7–8 months.
For this reason, don't discard apparently healthy eggs simply because others from the same batch have already hatched.
Check the incubation container regularly and remove any mouldy material. If using paper towel as a substrate, replace it whenever necessary.
A normal day/night light cycle should also be provided during incubation.
Cleaning
Remove dead leaves, droppings and deteriorating plant material regularly.
Paper towel makes a convenient substrate for young nymphs because it is easy to replace and allows you to keep an eye on cleanliness.
Coconut fibre can also be used and helps retain humidity, although it should never be allowed to become permanently waterlogged.
For adults, keeping the enclosure relatively simple makes both cleaning and egg collection much easier.
Quick Care Summary
Temperature: Approximately 22–27°C during the day; 18–20°C at night
Food: Bramble, raspberry, rose, oak and guava
Best staple food: Bramble
Humidity: Higher for young nymphs; approximately 75%+ is a useful target, with adults generally comfortable at 60%+
Misting: Young nymphs approximately once daily, allowing the enclosure to dry afterwards
Housing: Tall, spacious and well ventilated
Egg incubation: Usually around 4–5 months, although some may take 7–8 months
Difficulty: Easy to intermediate
Most Important Things to Remember
Give P. tobeloense plenty of space. These are large leaf insects and should not be crowded together.
Young nymphs require more attention than established insects. Keep them humid, ensure they can easily find their food and trim the edges of leaves if they are reluctant to begin feeding.
As they grow, provide abundant fresh foliage and good ventilation. Always ensure there is enough unobstructed vertical space beneath larger nymphs for them to complete their moult successfully.
With these basic requirements met, Phyllium tobeloense is a spectacular species to rear, with its impressive adult size and highly variable autumnal colouration making it a particularly attractive addition to a leaf insect collection.
