If you are looking to buy leaf insects then there are a few things to be aware of.

As already mentioned, you are best to buy from a specialist breeder rather than a general pet store. The internet can be an ideal place to search for leaf insect suppliers. Alternatively find somewhere close to you – such as a zoo or butterfly house – that actually has leaf insects on display and ask for advice on where to buy them.

Many zoos buy from private breeders so they may well be able to put you in touch with someone reliable.

Once you have found a list of suppliers hopefully you will manage to find at least one person who has some available. Remember that given the choice you should select the largest insects possible because the younger insects can be quite fragile. As a beginner you sould do best to buy adults as they are far more hardy.

When it comes to actually buying the insects, remember that leaf insects can lose legs but these will grow back over time. Therefore do not be too worried if you see some specimens that are minus legs, or have some legs smaller than others.

Many breeders will offer to ship leaf insects to your door via the mail system and this can work fine. Be aware however that as leaf insects are quite fragile there may be problems with this method and I would generally recommend that you actually go to collect your leaf insects.

Place them in a small container on the way home and have their cage set up and ready so you can put them straight in when you arrive home.