Stick Bug (Oreophoetes peruana) (PSG-84)

O. peruana are sexual. An aposematic stick bug which needs very high humidity levels. The nymphs are yellow with black longitudinal stripes, and yellow 'knees'. Male and female nymphs can be distinguished apart by the 'bump' that is visible on the underside of the end of the abdomen. The ova hatch after 3- 4 months. When hatched, nymphs are 3/8 inches (1cm) long. Nymphs mature in to colourful adults within about 4- 5 months (6-7 moults).

When handled, this species emits a white liquid from the upper ventral side of the thorax. This apparently contains quinoline (CAS# 91-22-5), this compound is known to be mutageneous. Some recommend not to concentrate too much the culture and ventilate often the room where they are. Take off any dead leaf the moisture of the vivarium can cause fungal diseases. Nymphs at molting, do not extricate the shed cuticular lining of the glands, thereby managing not to lose their secretory supply when they cast their skin. They are able ot discharge secretion even while still soft after molting.

Females: is dark green, almost black, with orange-yellow and white strips. They get up to 8cm long. They laying lays 2-4 eggs per day. Their life cycle is about 8-10 month, males a bet less.

Males: are a fantastic bright red-pink color. They get up to 7cm long.

Diet: Various fern species including Birds Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus), Bracken (Pteridum aquilinum), Boston Fern (Nephroleptis exexaltata), Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium), Asplenium anceps, Fern (Asplenium spp.).

Status: My whole stock died :(! I have no idea what happened... they all matured and then with in a month all died. The person i got them from, also lost all with in one month!... perhaps they have being inbred too many times.... So i'm looking for more.

Ova.

One day old nymph.

Subadult.

The left O. peruana is starting to develop pink which means it is a male and will molt in a few hours.

Adult male.