Phasmid Care Sheet

(c) Copyright Phasmid Study Group

Species

PSG 99 Epidares nolimetangere

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Foodplants This species will usually eat: Bramble, Oak, Pyracantha, Rose, Ivy
Cage Requirements
  • Cage should be at least 14 cm tall
  • Should have very little ventilation, such as just a square of mesh and the rest of the cage enclosed.
  • Room temperature
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.
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).
Ova This species likes to bury their ova (eggs) and so you'll need to provide some small pots of substrate for them to lay into. Suitable substrates might be dry sand or vermiculite.
Ova Incubation Period 5 months. Females lay just one egg per week.
Ova Success Rate 40-60%
Months to Maturity 8 months
Lifespan UP to 2 years
Notes A very long living sturdy phasmid. Nymphs are night active. Adult are also day active. They also love water, a very small dish with a flat stone in it (to prevent nymphs from drowning), filled with some water would be an great addition for them. Make sure that nymphs can not get in the foodplant water reservoir as they may drown. Allow ova to remain on substrate within adult enclosure and continue with normal daily misting routine. Once a week water substrate thoroughly to the consistency of wet soil. Allow to dry out completely before repeating. here has been success with using Exo Terra Plantation soil as the enclosure substrate. Add springtails to the enclosure to manage mould growth.
Difficulty Rating* Easy
Any Warnings*
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.