The Spiny Stick Insect is an easy to keep species of stick insect and is one of the larger species, that has been known to reach an adult size of 150mm in females but on average they reach 130mm. The females are wingless only having small wing buds, where as the males are fully winged and able to fly. The males are smaller than the females averaging 90 - 100mm. Both sexes can range from light to medium brown, or a greenish colour. The females have lots of sharp spikes all over the body, but the males tend to be rather smooth. The legs are lobed and these too have small projections of spikes present.

Found in Australia, this species is happy at room temperature (around 20C to 24C) although the temperature is not critical. Lightly spray water on the food plant every few days. Their native food is the Eucalyptus and most species commonly found in South Africa are acceptable.  Cut food in jars of water is a convenient way of feeding them, with the food being changed every few days or when it becomes dry.

Due to this species growing so large, it's best to use a cage with plenty of height. This allows them to hang down when changing skin. Air circulation is a bonus.  They do not require special lighting but should be kept out of direct sun to avoid drying out the cut food.

The females can lay large numbers of eggs, which are just dropped on the floor.  These can be hatched at room temperature if placed on tissue in a plastic box and very lightly sprayed daily.