Husbandry Manual Goliath Stick Insect - Nswfmpa.org

Husbandry Manual for Eurycnema goliath
Tara Bearman
9.6 Signs of Stress
When disturbed phasmids will often sway, mimicking the movement of leaves and sticks in a
breeze. There is also a defensive posture / display that particularly females will show when
threatened. The wings are spread displaying bright colour at the base and they will display a
rhythmic jerky movement with sharp contractions of the hind legs. This is when staff should be
particularly careful as the sharp spines on the female’s hind legs are capable of tearing soft skin.
9.7 Behavioural Enrichment
- Daily misting to simulate rain and morning dew.
- Slight breeze to simulate wind or moving air currents.
- Variety of edible foliage to provide food choice.
- Gradual variations in temperature and light to simulation day and night.
9.8 Introductions and Removals
There are currently no set quarantine guidelines for phasmids however as a precaution it is
recommended that at least a minimum period of 30 days is achieved. This will allow a chance to
visually observe the health of the phasmid before it enters the collection.
9.9 Intraspecific Compatibility
Stick insects are compatible with other phasmids.
9.10 Interspecific Compatibility
Phasmids fall prey to many other species; therefore, it is not recommended that they be housed
with any other taxa.
9.11 Suitability to Captivity
Phasmids are an easily cared for and manageable group of insects very suitable for captivity. It
should be notes that there are some species of phasmid that do have specific requirements such
as the Lord Howe Island Phasmid (A. Polak, pers. comm.). Although there is a higher mortality
rate in hatchlings as they mature this mortality rate decreases rapidly, providing that correct
husbandry is followed. There is a responsibility of the caretaker to safely dispose of excessive
phasmid eggs preferably by incineration to prevent releasing them into the wild.
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