Origin
The fern stick insect (Oreophoetes peruana) is native to Peru and Ecuador. It lives in the undergrowth of mountain forests and prefers to spend the whole day on its food plant.
Appearance
The females have a black base colour, with yellowish to white longitudinal stripes. The end of the abdomen is usually orange, as are all the joints on the legs.
Males have a red or orange base colour. However, this colouring only appears after the imaginal moult*.
Only a club-like thickening at the end of the abdomen helps to identify them.
Before that, they can hardly be distinguished from the females.
Imaginal moult = The final moult leading to the adult insect is known as the imaginal moult.
Facts:
- Females grow to between 75 and 80 millimetres
- Males grow to between 65 and 70 millimetres
- Both have no wings
- Both have very long antennae
- Both take approx. 4 months to reach the imaginal moult
Lifestyle
The fern stick insect is very calm and gets along well with other species.
During the day, it hides in the ferns; at night, it becomes active.
Food
It feeds exclusively on various ferns (exotic or native fern).
When buying ferns, make sure they are not sprayed and do not contain pesticides.
Predators
Birds, amphibians, frogs or reptiles that occur in their territory can be a danger. However, it is rarely attacked due to its "unappetising" colour.
When threatened, it releases a whitish defensive secretion that smells very unpleasant and pungent. This secretion (water and quinoline) is released in the form of drops or a thin, fast stream.
This allows the fern stick insect to spend time comfortably on its food plant without fear of being discovered.
Classification
- In 1868, it was first described by Henri de Saussure
- Latin name: Oreophoetes peruana
- Family: Diapheromeridae
Care
The fern stick insect is easy to keep, but the following points should be observed for species-appropriate care.
- Terrarium size: 6 - 8 insects should have a terrarium size of 40cm x 40cm x 50cm.
- Group animal
- Temperature: 18-24°C
- Humidity: between 60-80%
It is important to spray the terrarium daily, because if a stick insect moults and the humidity is below the optimum value, the nymphs will become stuck during the next moult.
Before you decide on a Peruvian fern stick insect, you should definitely have read an appropriate specialist book.
For all animal care: children must be guided, supervised and monitored by their parents. Children must learn that an animal has its own needs and habits and respect this. Parents should be aware that it is their responsibility to care for the animal.
Our trained team at Zoo Roco is available to assist you with any questions or issues. They can provide you with expert advice on all matters.
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