Data sheet velvet cricket
Latin name:
Peruphasma schultei
Origin:
Cordillera del Condor (Peru)
Size:
5-7 cm (females), 4-5 cm (males)
Life expectancy:
a year
Behavior/stocking:
nocturnal, shy (like to hide)
Groups vs. individual housing:
both possible
Lining:
herbivore (privet)
Difficulty level:
easy to medium Drägüs, Peruphasma schultei – nymph, CC BY-SA 3.0
The velvet cricket has a very striking appearance that sets it apart from other crickets. your body is velvety black and elongated, with a curved tail.
In addition, it has long limbs and long, outstretched feelers. The shape is reminiscent of a scorpion, even without the scissors.
The The velvet insect’s eyes stand out in a yellow colorthe ksome wings on the back are red and one of the conspicuous features of the insect. But it cannot fly, the wings have receded.
For the first time the velvet cricket Found in northern Peru in 2004, here on an area of only 5 hectares. Therefore, it is considered an endangered species, but can be easily bred.
However, since the population in the wild does not increase for reasons that are still inexplicable, bred animals are repeatedly released into the area.
acquisition and maintenance
Velvet crickets can be purchased at pet stores and are easy to manage. In the terrarium they have no special requirements and are therefore suitable also for beginners. They are not aggressiveas long as you don’t threaten or disturb them.
it’s no problem to keep several animals. Here you should only pay attention to sufficient space in the terrarium. It is important that each animal has a place of retreat when it is sleeps during the day. Aggressiveness between the animals is rare.
requirements for the terrarium
The terrarium should be at least 30 cm long and wide be, best 50 cm high. Inside should be a temperature of 18 to 26 degrees be held, it doesn’t have to be warmer.
Excessive humidity should be avoided, and waterlogging is not desirable. Here are 40 to 60% sufficient.
By a good ventilation there should be no problems maintaining the conditions in the terrarium.
gender differences
The Female velvet crickets are quite a bit largerr than the males, sometimes by 2-3 cm. They are also more aggressive and like to be defensive.
Female velvet crickets also have a longer life expectancy, can live for up to two years, while males only up to one year.
Drägüs, Peruphasma schultei, pair, CC BY-SA 3.0
feed and nutrition
The velvet cricket’s alternative name is also pepper cricketindicating their natural food source.
In the terrarium, the cricket can be fed on various plants, including Privet, lilac or forsythia. The leaves and branches of the evergreen privet, which can be found at any time of the year, are the best.
For Water should be shallow vessels be used since velvet scarecrows do not swim can. If the bowl is too deep then there is a risk of drowning. In addition, the animals should not be sprayed directly with water, only the terrarium itself.
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acclimatization and handling
If the terrarium has been previously prepared, a Familiarization quick and easy. Since the animal does not need high temperatures, it is also possible to take it out of the terrarium from time to time.
But make sure that the animal nocturnal is. During the day it should be allowed to rest. When moving, velvet insects are quite fast animals.
The velvet insect is a shy animal and likes to be left alone. If it feels threatened, it shows it through its posture. In addition, she can spray secretionwhich irritates eyes and mucous membranes, but leaves no permanent damage.
Normally, however, it is not aggressive, as long as you don’t provoke the animal. Velvet mantis are peaceful and blend in well with their surroundings.