Privet is one of the most dependable food plants for stick insects, offering a soft, palatable leaf that stays fresh for several days once cut. It grows abundantly across the UK and remains green for much of the year, making it an excellent option when bramble is scarce or out of season. Because privet is mild, moisture‑retentive, and easy for young nymphs to feed on, it’s widely used by both beginners and experienced keepers as a reliable, year‑round browse plant.
 
Species That Readily Feed on Privet
 
Many common and beginner‑friendly phasmids accept privet without hesitation, including:
Carausius morosus (Indian Stick Insect)
Peruphasma schultei (Black Beauty Stick Insect) – readily accepts privet and thrives on it
Acanthoxyla spp. (New Zealand Stick Insects)
Medauroidea extradentata (Vietnamese Stick Insect)
Sipyloidea sipylus (Pink‑Winged Stick Insect)
Asceles spp.
Ramulus spp.
Clonopsis spp.
Baculum spp.
Parapachymorpha spp.
Neohirasea spp.
Lonchodes spp.
Oreophoetes peruana (Peruvian Fire Stick) – accepts privet alongside ferns
Extatosoma tiaratum (Giant Spiny Stick Insect) – will take privet, though prefers bramble
Heteropteryx dilatata – may nibble privet but best offered as a secondary food plant
 
Privet is especially useful for mixed collections or for keepers who want a simple, consistent food supply throughout the year