Husbandry Manual Goliath Stick Insect - Nswfmpa.org

Husbandry Manual for Eurycnema goliath
Tara Bearman
9 Behaviour
9.1 Activity
If disturbed, a stick insect may slightly sway as if in a breeze; or, they may stay perfectly still for
hours, camouflaging well with their leafy background. When left undisturbed they can be quite
active (especially in warmer temperatures). Care must be taken when housing phasmids, not to
house too many in the one enclosure. As when the enclosure is opened, the many, very active
phasmids, will with out a doubt all walk in completely different directions.
9.2 Social Behaviour
Little social behaviour between individuals occurs with the exception of fertilised reproduction.
Where the male phasmids are in need of being mobile to find their respective females and
therefore have some flight capabilities, which in some form will inevitably lead the male to
socialise with a female.
9.3 Reproductive Behaviour
As parthenogenesis is a common feature of phasmid reproduction males play a little role in the
lives of females however fertilized breeding can occur and is necessary for genetic diversity.
Phasmids lay eggs while in the tree where they can fall to the ground. The eggs generally
simulate seeds and may either be picked up by ants, birds or other animals, or be left on the
ground unnoticed. Upon hatching the phasmids will instantly take to the trees in search of food.
9.4 Misting
Daily misting (if not more often) is an essential health requirement for phasmids. It is also a
simulation of rain and morning dew; both environmental conditions that a phasmid would
encounter in the wild.
9.5 Behavioural Problems
The goliath stick insect has fairly simple needs and simple behaviour; and therefore has no
known behavioural problems (A. Polak, pers. comm.).
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