HELP SAVE THE LONG LOST PHASMID
Phasmids on Cylinder awaiting a clean enclosure with new leaves
FACT SHEET LOOKING AFTER STICK INSECTS AND THEIR EGGS
Ctenomorpha chronus, Eurycnema goliath, Extatosoma tiaratum, Tropidoderus childrenii
The adults and nymphs are fed leaves from various Eucalyptus species (Gum trees); they are herbivores and should eat any plant, especially gums and wattles. These delightful creatures should be given fresh leaves every week (7 days). Place branches into a container with the opening as small as possible so that eggs being laid do not fall into the water. If you do have an large opening for the container, it should be covered. Each morning a spray of water is appreciated, keep an eye on the level of water in container and top up as required.
The eggs will take from 6 months to 18 months to hatch, depending on the species. Eggs require a specific temperature and humidity to be reached before the Phasmids will emerge, if kept inside at room temperature during winter some may emerge due to it being warmer inside. The eggs should be kept in a well ventilated container, ideally having a mesh screen, this will allow airflow. A spray of water daily, especially in the warmer months will increase the humidity in the container. - Be careful not to over spray as this could cause mould to grow on the eggs and kill them.
Once emerged they are fairly active, and may not feed for a few days. This is a difficult time, but once they commence feeding and have molted, at least once, they are then usually unstoppable.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1. The eggs can be submerged in water for 24 hours then drained and kept as above - this may encourage hatching.
2. The spraying of nymphs is also important for when they molt the water helps in shedding off the old skin, this skin (exoskeleton) is high in protein and is usually eaten by the insect.
3. The female Phasmid can lay approximately four hundred to over thousand eggs over her lifetime; of these it is believed that approximately only 10% will become adults.
For more information please contact Stephen.
