What do you need to care for your phasmids in captivity?
Welcome to our detailed guide on how to properly care for your
Phasmids. If you're considering keeping a phasmid as a pet or already have one and want to make sure it's in the best condition, this article will be very helpful.
Phasmids are very interesting insects, and although their care is not complicated, they require a suitable environment and a specific diet to stay in good condition.
In this guide, you'll find all the essential information to give your invertebrate the care it needs.
First of all…
Phasmids are a diverse and interesting group of insects, with around 3,000 species currently recorded and mainly divided into stick, leaf and bark insects (although there are many types and with very different appearances).
They belong to the order Phasmida, and their morphology is divided into a head, a thorax, and a segmented abdomen. Their evolution and adaptation to the natural environment give this arthropod a majestic beauty and appearance.
Preparing the terrarium:
Before getting our terrarium, we will select the place where it will be placed, and therefore where our pet will live. It has to be an area where light enters so the animal can differentiate between day and night, or failing that, do this with artificial light.
The dimensions of the terrarium depend on the size of our phasmids, and as a standard rule we have that the terrarium should be at least twice the length of the insect in width and three times in height since it will need to be hung to complete the molts for its correct development and growth.
The terrarium should mimic its natural environment. We can add substrate, sticks, and logs for the insect to climb and hang from, as well as plants, both natural and artificial, and other accessories. Furthermore, good ventilation is essential to prevent excess moisture and fungal growth in our terrarium, which could affect the insect's health.
Examples of terrariums for phasmids:
Plastic terrarium to start keeping a phasmid: https://www.scalearea.com/products/terrario-de-plastico-bajo
Plastic terrarium ideal for keeping a group of phasmids: https://www.scalearea.com/products/terrario-de-plastico-plegable
PVC terrariums in different sizes for large groups of phasmids: https://www.scalearea.com/products/terrario-de-pvc-vertical
Environmental parameters/conditions (Lighting, temperature and
humidity):
The environmental conditions of our pet's home are key; without them, it will not develop to its full phenotypic potential.
For good lighting , natural or artificial light will be enough to distinguish the day-night photoperiod.
As for temperature , most species of these insects can tolerate temperatures as low as 18°C without difficulty, but it's best to keep them above 20°C, with the ideal temperature being 25°C. Therefore, the use of heating mats is recommended if temperatures drop below 20°C.
Adjustable heating blankets: https://www.scalearea.com/products/manta-calefactora?_pos=1&_psq=manta&_ss=e&_v=1.0
As for environmental humidity , it depends on the species, varying between 60% and
90% relative humidity. This humidity can be achieved by spraying.
Temperature and humidity meter for proper parameter control: https://www.scalearea.com/products/termometro-higrometro-digital-con-sonda?_pos=2&_psq=higr&_ss=e&_v=1.0
To maintain a proper diet:
Phasmids are strict herbivores. They feed mainly on fresh leaves of
Various plants, such as blackberries, roses, oaks, and eucalyptus trees. Their hydration is also based on fresh leaves, although some species like to drink water from the droplets left on these leaves when sprayed. Their diet varies depending on the species and its environment.
In our case, we feed the different species we keep with fresh bramble and rose leaves, which we place in the center of the terrarium with the stems in water in a vase.
Their camouflage ability allows them to go unnoticed while feeding. Some species may consume dried leaves during periods of scarcity, although this is not common.
The diet of phasmids is key to their growth and life cycle; the better the diet, the better our pet will look.
Can we manipulate our phasmids?
Phasmids should be handled gently to avoid damaging them, as their exoskeleton is fragile. It's advisable to move them slowly and let them climb onto your hand rather than holding them tightly.
They should never be picked up by their legs, as they may tear them off as a defense mechanism. It is recommended to handle them only when necessary to minimize stress.
During the molt, it is essential not to disturb them to avoid deformities or damage.
What is its life/biological cycle?
Upon hatching, they are in the L1 nymph stage. After their first molt, they advance to the L2 stage, then to L3 with their second molt, and so on as they continue their development, generally completing between 5 and 7 molts. Nymphs emerge with an appearance similar to adults, but are smaller, as they undergo incomplete metamorphosis (hemimetabolism).
During molting, they shed their exoskeleton and remain vulnerable until their new cuticle hardens. This process is crucial for their development and can take several hours. As they molt, they acquire their final color and characteristics. Upon reaching maturity, they develop their reproductive capacity.
Their life expectancy varies, but generally ranges from several months to a couple of years.
Reproduction
The unique reproductive mode of our phasmids means they can reproduce sexually or parthenogentically. In sexual reproduction, the male fertilizes the female, allowing for greater genetic variability, giving rise to males and females.
However, many species can reproduce without the need for males through parthenogenesis, generating clones of the mother.
Females lay their eggs on the ground, on leaves, or randomly toss them. Hatching time varies depending on the species and can take weeks or months.
In conclusion...
Breeding phasmids is undoubtedly a satisfying and exciting experience in which you will learn in a simple way to provide a suitable environment, proper nutrition, and all the necessary care to become a successful caregiver.
If you have any questions or are looking to purchase a phasmid or accessories for its maintenance, please visit our store www.scalearea.com
We also leave you here our catalog of available phasmids: https://www.scalearea.com/collections/fasmidos