PHASMIDS Leaf & Stick Insects, Mantids and more
Leaf Insect Phyllium siccifolium
Now these insects are truly spectacular! More perfect leaf camouflage does not exist!
We supply well established nymphs 2 cm or more in length. The best food is Bramble which is available all year. They will also feed on Oak. These insects are more delicate than stick insects, but with care they are not difficult to keep. They need warmth all year and spraying to maintain humidity.
Eggs are laid loose on the bottom of the cage, and take months to hatch. The female looks like a bunch of green leaves. The male is still leaf-like but has long folded wings.
Supplied in lots of four nymphs for £40 Available in August
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
Giant Thorny Stick Insect Trachyaretaon bruekneri
The nymphs of this species are curiously flattened, extremely irregular in shape, and very thorny. Nymphs are supplied at 2.5cm in length or more. They become adult after about a year.
Feed on Bramble or Ivy. Keep warm in winter and they will continue to grow.
The adult female reaches 12.5 cms in length, nearly twice the size of the male.
Supplied in lots of 5 for £10.00 only. Ready to send in August
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.
Supplied in lots of 5 for £12.95. In stock now.
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