Phaenopharos khaoyaiensis is a slender, beautifully camouflaged stick insect native to Thailand, where it inhabits forested regions with dense foliage. Females are the more commonly seen form in captivity and reach around 13 cm in length. Their most distinctive feature is the pair of small, vivid red “bud‑like” wings, which they flash when disturbed — a simple but effective startle display that gives the species its common name, the Bud‑wing Stick Insect.
 
This species is widely regarded as very easy to keep. It thrives on a range of temperate foodplants such as bramble, hawthorn, Hypericum, raspberry, oak, and beech. Growth is steady, moulting is reliable, and females reproduce parthenogenetically in culture, making them a dependable choice for both beginners and established breeders.
 
Calm, hardy, and visually charming, P. khaoyaiensis makes an excellent display species. Their subtle camouflage contrasts beautifully with the sudden flash of red from their wings, adding a touch of drama to an otherwise gentle, slow‑moving insect. With a lifespan of up to a year and straightforward husbandry, they’re a rewarding addition to any phasmid collection.