Mark Smitheman's insects.

I am an experienced amateur breeder of exotic insects and other invertebrates, mostly Phasmids and Phyllidae - stick and leaf insects.

As many of these breed very successfully I often have surplus eggs and animals and I am happy to offer these for re-homing.

I do not look to profit from my hobby. I try to keep my prices sensible although many of these species are scarce and are only rarely available and this is reflected in the cost. Any money made is recycled into buying new species, the maintainance of my cultures and to fund this webpage.

This list will change frequently due to breeding cycles but is kept up to date. To check for current availability email me to discuss your requirements.

Scroll down the page or use these links to find what you want.
Live stick and leaf insects
Stick and leaf insect eggs
Other invertebrates
Postal options

September 2024 (Page last updated:- 12/09/2024)

Live stick and leaf insects

Phyllium letiranti "Peleng Island"

This rare and beautiful species is noted for the wide range of colours from yellow to brown to green. They are larger than the more common P. philippinicum.
On offer are un-sexed L1-L3 nymphs.

Origin:- Peleng Island, Indonesia

Temperature range:- 25-30°C

Humidity:- 60-75%RH

Food plants:- Bramble

Unsexed nymphs (L1/L3)

£1.50 each + P&P
10 for £10.00 + P&P

Stick and leaf insect eggs

Lopaphus sp. "Cuc Phuong"

A beautiful medium-sized stick insect. These are easy to keep and are a very lively species, often active during the day. Nymphs are green when young then take on a silver-spotted chocolate brown colour. Adults are blue and brown - image is adult female.

Origin:- Vietnam

Temperature range:- 20-27°C

Humidity:- 60-70%RH

Food plants:- Bramble

30 eggs

£10.00 (Inc. P&P)

Phobaeticus magnus "Ratchaburi"

One of the largest stick insect species with females growing to 50cm or more. Males are smaller, and have wings and can fly, but do so only reluctantly.
Due to their size this species needs to be kept in a very large enclosure - over 1 metre tall.
This is a sexual culture bred from a wild-caught specimen found in the Ratchaburi region of Thailand in 2021.

Origin:- Thailand

Temperature range:- 20-28°C

Humidity:- 70-90%RH

Food plants:- Bramble, Rose, Hawthorn, Sweet Chestnut

30 eggs

£20.00 (Inc. P&P)

Limited number avilable

Pseudophasma subapterum
(Brown beauty)

A strange and beautiful species, growing to 6-8cm. Seldom seen for sale. Look at those wing buds! Image is adult male (left) and female.

Origin:- Venezuela

Temperature range:- 20-24°C

Humidity:- 50-60%RH

Food plants:- Privet, Lilac, Ribwort

30 eggs

£12.50 ( Inc. P&P)

Limited number available.

Phyllium letiranti "Peleng Island"

This rare and beautiful species is noted for the wide range of colours from yellow to brown to green. They are larger than the more common P. philippinicum.
These eggs are from mated females and normally take 6-8 months to hatch. Hatch rate is generally good.

Origin:- Peleng Island, Indonesia

Temperature range:- 25-30°C

Humidity:- 60-75%RH

Food plants:- Bramble

30 eggs

£15.00 (Inc. P&P)

Taraxippus samarae "Siquirres"

A small moss-mimic species growing to around 8cm. They are brown and green coloured and have many feather-like protrusions on their bodies to camouflage themselves. The adult males are winged, but they are reluctant flyers.
A rare, fascinating species relatively new to the hobby, and one of the most unusual stick insects you will ever see.

Origin:- Costa Rica

Temperature range:- 21-25°C

Humidity:- 70%RH+

Food plants:- Bramble

Other invertebrates

Gromphadorhina portentosa
(Madagascan hissing cockroach)

A large, harmless species of cockroach. These are fun pets who are easy to handle and make a loud hissing noise when disturbed.

Origin:- Madagascar

Temperature range:- 20-25°C

Humidity:- 50-70%RH

Food:- Vegetable matter, leaf litter. They also like some protein and carbohydrate.

Nymphs.

£1.00 each + P&P

Isopods - Porcellio species
(Giant orange woodlice)

A large species of isopod from Spain. These will grow to be twice the size of the common grey woodlouse and are very active. They make great fun pets and are also a very useful addition to the 'clean-up-crew' in a bioactive vivarium.

Origin:- Spain

Temperature range:- 20-25°C

Humidity:- 50-70%RH

Food:- Vegetable matter, leaf litter, decaying wood.

£7.50/10 (Inc. P&P)

Contact

Please send me an email for further details, if you have any questions, or to place an order.

Postage and Packing (P&P)

UK only

My standard Postage and Packing charge for live inscts is £10.50 for Royal Mail 'Special Delivery' (next day tracked). This service is strongly recommended. Large orders (bigger boxes) may incur a higher charge, so please check when discussing your order.

At the buyers' request I can send live insects using regular Royal Mail 1st Class Parcel which is less expensive at £7.50, but if you choose this service I cannot guarantee the prompt, safe delivery of your insects.

Small nymphs and other small animals might be able to be sent as a 1st Class large letter for £3.00 which significantly reduces postage costs, but live animals will only be sent this way when it is safe and appropriate for them.

Eggs will be sent via 1st Class large letter. Postage is included in the price.

N.B. I do not offer an international postage service.

Most countries have strict biosecurity laws preventing the un-licenced import of invertebrates - the amount of bureaucracy involved means it is not a practical option for the hobbyist.

Sadly, I am also no longer able to offer postage to the EU, due to Brexit.

Payment

Payment by PayPal preferred. Other payment options are available.