Leaf Insect

According to our stock you will receive PSG72 or PSG278.

Formerly known as the species Phyllium sp. Leaf insects belong to Phasmida, where the stick insects are also covered. Phyllium philippinicus has also received the number PSG 278. Phyllium sp. occurs naturally in the Philippines.

This is the most well-liked type of leaf insect, because it's easiest to keep of all the leaf insects. It is a step-up from stick insects though. Read more in this caresheet to learn more about the care.

Appearance

This kind so resembles a leaf, hence the name leaf insect. They are flattened from above and below, and have lobes to the legs. They are often colored bright green, but very occasionally there are found brown, yellow or pinkish variants of this type.

What is striking is the large difference between males and females. The females are larger, thicker and wider than the males. When they are grown they have broad abdomen, but not under wings. The adult males are just narrow with long wings and among small abdomen. When in nymphstate the width difference is already visible between the sexes.

The adult female can become approximatly 6 and the males 7 cm long.

Behavior

This kind of walking leaf is very quiet. They do not move much during the day. When handling they may vibrate like the wind. They also often run jerky to mimic the wind. Males can fly once they are mature, the females can not.

In the evening you can see them, however, move it and eat, because they are nocturnal animals.

Food

This species eats blackberry and oak leaves. You can keep the branches and leaves fresh longer by placing them in a cup of water. Cover the top of the cup, so that the nymphs can not fall into the water and then drown.

Young nymphs are best oak and blackberry conducted. Sometimes the little ones are too small to nibble at the edge of a leaf, therefore it's good to tear the leaves a bit.

Environmental conditions

The temperature may vary between 25 ° C and 30 ° C.

This species has the air like damp. A 4x weekly spraying depending on the ventilation of the loft is good. Ventilation is very important, make sure that the air refreshes enough so that mold does not have a chance. If you have alot of ventilation to the accommodation you have to spray with water every day. Young walking leaves should be kept very moist.

As with all kinds of walking sticks, this type needs a residence which is at least 3 times the length of the animal is high, and at least 2 times the length of the animal wide. For an adult female, this means at least 18 cm high and 12 cm wide. Bigger is always better. If held for more than a koppeltje will be 30 x 30 x 30 cm is recommended.

Other stick insects may not coincide with Phyllium philippinicus, because the stick insects can easily eat the flat edges of the leaf insect.

Reproduction

Males and females are easily distinguished. Females are larger and more robust, while males are much narrower. When they are mature, the males are very different from the females, do they have a clear long wings. The females have just wide dekvleugels. The men also have very long antennae, or 3.5 cm long, while women do not exceed 1 cm feelers.

You can keep the males and females together in a stay.