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Species |
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Foodplants |
This species will usually eat: Bramble, Eucalyptus |
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Cage Requirements |
- Cage should be at least 57 cm tall
- Should be partially enclosed, such as one full side of mesh and the rest non-perforated plastic or glass.
- Room temperature
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Misting |
Spray cage lightly every day with fine mist of water - just enough for the insects to have a drink and this also helps to keep the humidity up. |
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Reproduction |
In this species, both males and females exist and they reproduce sexually, by mating, where the male transfers sperm to the female, which she uses to fertilise her eggs (ova). |
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Ova |
This species will drop their ova (eggs) on the floor, so its best to provide paper at the bottom of the cage to help collect the ova for removal for incubation or population control. |
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Ova Incubation Period |
4-5 months. |
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Ova Success Rate |
60-80% |
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Months to Maturity |
Female mature at 5-6 months. Approx 4 weeks later will produce ova. Males mature at 4-5 months. |
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Lifespan |
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Notes |
Adult females are reluctant to take fresh fuzzy spring bramble leaves. Males don't seem to mind at any age, and young females are fine with it as well. The males can hiss very loudly.A day/night cycle needed for ova as they usually hatch in early morning. Ova can be kept at room temperature. Place on paper towel with dry forest moss over top. Be mindful of mould growth and replace paper towel regularly. Nymphs can easily become trapped and die where there is too much condensation. Nymphs like high light, high humidity and good ventilation, use a glass or plastic cage with a mesh lid. Have a small fan set with a timer to blow into the cage for 15 minutes every hour, this stimulates feeding. DO NOT let any leaves of the foodplant touch the walls, roof, or bottom of the cage. Nymphs become lost if they wander off the foodplant and will often then just "freeze" rather than move and find the food again. If the nymphs find their way off of the foodplant, place them back on immediately. |
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Difficulty Rating* |
Medium |
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Any Warnings* |
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Disclaimer: |
* Please note the warnings and difficulty rating are intended as an indicator only. The warnings are not an exhaustive list and other potentially dangerous behaviour may be exhibited by phasmids that is not listed here. Phasmids are wild creatures and should be treated with respect and handled with caution. Adults should always supervise children when handling phasmids. |
