PHASMIDS Leaf & Stick Insects, Mantids and more
Indian Stick Insect Carausius morosus
No trouble to look after. Keep at room temperature in a simple cage. Netting sides are better than plastic or glass. Foodplants: Privet, Ivy and Bramble. They will often feed on a variety of other plants. Spray regularly as they welcome moisture. Parthenogenic - all the insects are females. When adult they will lay eggs loose on the bottom of the cage.
Indian Stick Insect Carausius morosus
All adults of this species are females. They are parthenogenetic, laying fertile eggs without males, which are an extreme rarity. Keep at room temperature in a simple cage. Netting sides are better than plastic or glass. No trouble to look after. Foodplants: Privet, Ivy, Bramble and they will often take other plants. Spray the foodplant and insects regularly as they welcome moisture.
These adults will lay eggs, loose on the bottom of the cage. At room temperature these will usually hatch after about 4 months.
Peruvian Black Beauty Stick Insect Peruphasma schultei, FOUR ADULTS
You get both adults of both sexes. Very attractive insects, easy to keep in a ventilated cage, feeding on Privet. They enjoy a spray most days with tepid water.
This species comes from just a small area in Peru and are not known from anywhere else. They are very special.
It is best not to let YOUNG children have the insects walking on their hands, because they have a defence mechanism that produces a pungent fluid when they are alarmed. Sometimes an irritant. You should wash hands after handling.
The insects are otherwise completely harmless. Their appearance in contrasting black and scarlet is an interesting example of colours that warn off predators.
Eggs are laid loose on the bottom of the cage.
Macleay’s Spectre or Australian Prickly Stick Insect Extatosoma tiaratum
This is one of the world’s most spectacular insects, and the female is reputed to be one of the heaviest insects on record, heavier than many birds!
Medium nymphs are supplied, minimum size 2.5cm long. They grow quickly in summer, becoming adults the following year. Feed on Bramble, Oak or Eucalyptus. Cages with netting sides or an aquarium are suitable. Change the food about 3 times a week, depending on temperature and how long the food is lasting.
These are hardy creatures, but they must be given regular care most days. They love having the foodplant sprayed! The adult females have a firm grip with spiny legs. If treated harshly they can retaliate! The males develop large wings and can fly across the room!
In winter Bramble and Eucalyptus are available. Keep the insects at living room temperature. Eggs are dropped loose on the cage bottom. They take months to hatch, and will sometimes do so even if the adults have not mated.
In all stages these are fascinating creatures and ideal for children, with adult supervision.
Supplied in lots of four nymphs for £32.00. Available again in August
Peruvian Black Beauty Stick Insect Peruphasma schultei,
Very attractive insects, easy to keep in a ventilated cage, feeding on Privet. They enjoy a spray most days with tepid water. It is best not to let young children have the insects walking on their hands, because they have a defence mechanism that produces a pungent fluid when they are alarmed. Sometimes an irritant. The insects are otherwise completely harmless. Their appearance in contrasting black and scarlet is an interesting example of colours that warn off predators.
African Lined Mantis Spodromantis lineola
Third instar nymphs are supplied, about 1.5 cm long, so well established and able to catch food.
Mantids do not feed on greenery. They catch live insects for food and you must ensure that you can give them such things as fruit flies, small crickets and possibly maggots.
They must be kept each one in their own cage or cylinder. Before ordering, please familiarise yourself with the needs of mantids.
Supplied in lots of four for £30.00 In stock now.
Giant Hissing Cockroach Gromphadorhina oblongonata
Cockroaches have an unfortunate reputation, but these are clean creatures and make good pets! Yes, they hiss when you pick them up. Don’t keep doing this, remember they are creatures and don’t ill treat them.
Supplied as young at 2.5cm long or more, they quickly grow to become very large, sometimes up to 12cm long! Keep in a tank with compost in the bottom. Give them some sticks and stones to hide in and live amongst. Feed on fruit, greenery, vegetable scraps, and they like fish pellets.
Rearing and Studying Stick and Leaf Insects Paul Brock
The author is a well known authority on the subject. The book illustrates over 60 species of Stick and Leaf Insects. Outlines life history, notes on rearing the 17 most popular species.
Rearing and Studying Stick and Leaf Insects. £8.95