Datasheet Walking Leaf
German name:
walking leaf
Scientific name:
Phyllium (Pulchriphyllium) giganteum
Origin:
Asia (tropical and subtropical forests)
Size:
2.4 – 12 cm
age expectation:
1-2 years
Behave
Lining:
Leaves (raspberry, blackberry, wild rose, oak, grape), plants, fruits
Behave:
- nocturnal
- leaf-like looking body used as foliage for camouflage (mimesis)
- slow, slightly jerky and rocking movements to imitate leaves blowing in the wind
- When threatened, Walking Leaves play dead (thanatosis). Males of some species can even shed their legs (autotomy) to distract predators.
- peaceful herbivores
Number:
Individual housing and group housing
Difficulty level:
simple husbandry conditions Drägüs, Phyllium giganteum, adult femal from dorsal, CC BY-SA 3.0
walking leaves are master of camouflagethat have perfectly adapted to their natural habitat over time. Depending on their habitat, they are usually green, yellow or brown, monochromatic or mottled or even have slightly frayed edges. From the outside, they can hardly be distinguished from real leaves, if at all. The reason for camouflage (=mimesis) is the attempt to imitate leaves and thus remain undetected by enemies.
The herbivorous nocturnal insects belongs to Subfamily (Phylliinae) within the order of ghost horror. So far between 50 different subspecies distinguished. Since new taxa have been discovered again and again in recent years, it can be assumed that further species will be discovered in the future.
acquisition and maintenance
The insects are peaceful herbivores and are also extremely easy to care for.
The land insect is available in pet shops or online.
requirements for the terrarium
Walking leaves will terrarium held. Caterpillar boxes or glass terrariums are suitable for this, but plastic terrariums can also be used temporarily. The terrarium should be at least 25 cm long and 25 cm wide and 40 cm high, as the animals tend to move vertically. These dimensions apply when keeping an animal. If you wish to keep several Wandering Leaves in one terrarium, the size should be adjusted accordingly. In any case, on one good ventilation of the terrarium.
As floor material suitable Peat or dry, inorganic substrate such as pebbles or vermiculite. A display with kitchen paper is also possible. This is particularly useful when the eggs laid by the animals want to be collected. The inorganic or organic floor covering should be changed at regular intervals, otherwise mold or fungus can occur. In addition, the insect’s excrement can cause an unpleasant odor.
To the animals sufficient climbing, food and camouflage opportunities to offer, the cut food plants are to be placed in a container with water in the terrarium and exchanged at regular intervals. Rotten or moldy leaves should also be disposed of due to illness.
The exotics prefer a temperature of 23 to 27 degrees Celsius. To achieve this, a heat lamp, a heating cable or a heating mat can be used. It is important to ensure that the technical aids are not in direct contact with the forage plants or even their container. Otherwise, the warming of the water can lead to the formation of rot.
The humidity in the terrarium should 60 to 80% be. It is sufficient to spray the terrarium once a day. However, you can also use an automatic sprinkler system. A water bowl or drinker is not necessary as the insects absorb water droplets from the leaves.
gender differences
Between male and female Wandering Leaves are significant differences recognizable. Females are significantly larger and heavier than their male counterparts. In addition, they have the ability to fly. Males, on the other hand, are not able to fly and have a narrower body and lighter weight.
Feed & Nutrition
It is not for nothing that walking leaves are also referred to as phytophagous insects. Phytophagous means eating leaves, which are also the insect’s main source of food. In the tropical and subtropical homeland, Wandering Leaves feed on the foliage of mango, cacao, guava, rambutan, or other exotic plants.
With an attitude in our regions can without hesitation Foliage of native plants and shrubs can be used. Blackberries, raspberries, wild roses or oak or grapes are suitable for this.
acclimatization and handling
Changing leaves adapt quickly to their surroundings and usually sit motionless between leaves and branches during the day. Only at night do they wander around and go in search of food.
The peaceful herbivores are ideal for observation. Even experienced keepers often need a long time to discover their well camouflaged companions in the terrarium.
frequently asked Questions
How do Wandering Leaves reproduce?
Some species, including the stick insect, can reproduce parthenogenetically. At the so-called virgin birth Females are able to produce offspring even without a male partner.
However, if sexually mature males are present, they actively seek out the female comrades for mating.
The eggs are laid in the branches. The females throw the eggs into the air with a movement of their abdomen.
Which species are kept most often?
– Phyllium siccifolium
– Phyllium westwoodii
– Phyllium bioculatum
– Phyllium giganteum