Data sheet Australian stick insect
German name:
Australian stick insect
Scientific name:
Extatosoma tiaratum
Origin:
Australia
Body length:
10cm – 14cm
age expectation:
up to 1 year
Behave
Lining:
vegetable; predominant leaves
Behave:
- nocturnal
- Mimesis: camouflage by leaf-like looking body
- slow, slightly back and forth swinging movements, similar to leaves in the wind, to fool enemies
- Feigning death when threatened (thanatosis) or dropping legs (autotomy) to distract predators
- usually remain motionless between leaves and branches during the day
Number:
group husbandry
Difficulty level:
Beginner Stephan M. Höhne, Extatosoma tiaratum 111, CC BY-SA 3.0
The Australian stick insect belongs to Order of the stick insects (Phasmatodea)which also includes walking leaves and stick insects.
They are probably among the most common insects kept in terraristics. The reason for this may be their bizarre, external appearance on the one hand, and their easy-care handling on the other.
Extatosoma tiaratum are Master of Stealth Ability. Over time, they have adapted perfectly to their natural habitat. In her home country Tropics and subtropics of Australia, they live particularly in Queensland and New South Wales. In addition, they are also found in New Guinea. There they are in Forest areas with eucalyptus occurrences to be found, whereby it is not exactly easy to discover the insects. They owe this to mimesis, which is considered a form of camouflage and aims to remain unnoticed by enemies. The yellow to brown cricket is characterized by a long, thin body with limbs that have a leaf-like appearance. From the outside, they can hardly be distinguished from real leaves.
But not only adult animals are well camouflaged, even newly hatched nymphs already use camouflaging abilities. mimicry is the name of the adaptation that benefits the defenseless newcomers against their enemies, the Australian fire ants. They mistake the spider insect eggs for nutritious seeds and transport them to the granary of their ants’ nest. Because of the hard shell, the eggs remain unopened there until they hatch. In the first few days, the young nymphs look very similar to the ant workers, so that they can leave the burrow unnoticed.
After the first molt (L2), the Australian stick insect eventually returns to its original appearance and engages in mimesis rather than ant-mimicry.
purchase
The Australian stick insect is acquired quickly and inexpensively. The land insect is available in pet shops as well as online.
requirements for the terrarium
Caterpillar boxes or glass terrariums or plastic terrariums are suitable as terrariums. For an adult couple, a minimum size of 30cm x 30cm x 50cm (length, width, height) must be observed, since the animals tend to move vertically. When housing a larger number of fosterlings, the size of the terrarium should be increased accordingly.
The terrarium must have one good ventilation to avoid waterlogging or even mold.
Peat or a dry, inorganic substrate (e.g. pebbles or vermiculite) are suitable as soil material. Kitchen roll can also be used as it makes it easier to see discarded eggs. The organic or inorganic floor covering must be changed at regular intervals, otherwise mold or fungus can develop. In addition, the insect’s excrement has an unpleasant odor.
The terrarium should be filled with branches so that the animals have sufficient opportunities for food, climbing and camouflage. are suitable for this cut forage plants, placed in a vessel with water in the terrarium and replaced at regular intervals.
The terrarium inhabitants prefer a temperature of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Often this temperature can already be reached by the normal room temperature.
The humidity should be there 60 to 80% be. To achieve this, it is sufficient to spray the terrarium once a day.
However, technical aids (heat lamp, automatic irrigation, etc.) can also be used to meet the climatic requirements of the insects.
gender differences
Male and female Australian stick insects exhibit striking differences on. Females have small thorns all over their bodies, while males have none. Another difference is the abdomen (back part) of the insect. While this protrudes over the back like a scorpion in female animals, it is stretched straight back in males.
The insects also differ in size and shape. Females are significantly rounder and larger than males. In addition, they only have stumpy wings, with which they cannot fly. The pen-shaped, slender bodies and large wings of the males, on the other hand, enable them to fly relatively well.
Feed & Nutrition
Australian stick insects are phytophagous insects. «phytophage“ describes that eating leaves, which are the main food source of the insect. In the tropical and subtropical forests of Australia they feed almost exclusively on eucalyptus.
Since this does not grow in our latitudes, native foliage must be used. Blackberry, raspberry, rose, currant or also oak, beech, hawthorn or hawthorn leaves are suitable for this.
Since the hungry insects are not very choosy, you can also experiment with other plants.
acclimatization and handling
Australian stick insects adapt quickly to their environment. During the day they usually sit motionless between leaves and branches. Only at night do they become active and devote themselves to eating.
The peaceful herbivores are excellent for enthusiastic observers. Even experienced keepers sometimes need a long time to rediscover their home companions in the terrarium.
frequently asked Questions
How do Australian mantises reproduce?
Australian stick insects are capable of procreation. In this parthenogenetic reproduction, female animals are capable of producing offspring even without a male partner.
Sexually mature males still actively seek out female comrades for mating.
The fertilized eggs are thrown from the branches to the ground. Depending on the climatic conditions, the first young hatch after 6 weeks to 25 weeks.