Epidares nolimetangere, commonly known as the Touch‑Me‑Not Stick Insect, is a small, heavily armoured phasmid native to the humid forests of north‑west Borneo. It is instantly recognisable by its dense covering of sharp defensive spines, which inspired both its scientific name (“noli me tangere” meaning do not touch me) and its striking common name. Despite their fierce appearance, these insects are gentle, slow‑moving, and highly suited to careful observation in captivity.
 
Adults are compact and robust, with females reaching around 45–48 mm and males slightly smaller at 35–43 mm. Colouration varies by locality, with some populations producing males marked in rich reds, greens, or golds, while females tend to be darker and more uniform with a pale dorsal line. Their cryptic colours and thorn‑like spines provide excellent camouflage among mossy branches and leaf litter on the forest floor.
 
In the wild, Epidares is considered one of the most abundant phasmids in Sarawak, thriving in the shaded understorey where humidity remains consistently high. In culture, they are valued for their manageable size, calm temperament, and fascinating appearance.