Husbandry Manual Goliath Stick Insect - Nswfmpa.org

Husbandry Manual for Eurycnema goliath
Tara Bearman
11.2 Incubation Temperature and Humidity
The eggs seem to hatch in warm weather after wet weather. This may be a monsoonal trigger
(Miller, 2003).
To encourage a monsoonal trigger place the eggs in a strainer and rinse for about 15 seconds.
This will wash off any fungus growing on the eggs and contribute to the monsoonal trigger
needed for hatching. Allow the rinsed eggs to drip dry and then spread out on paper towel to
fully dry. Once dry, place the eggs in a dry container with no substrate. Place container on a
damp peat moss substrate within another container. Ensure outer container has ventilation holes.
This setup will reduce fungal growth on eggs but keep the high humidity needed to simulate the
monsoonal season.
Ensure that eggs are checked daily and that nymphs are moved to a food source immediately
after hatch.
Figure 4. Incubator Design for Phasmid Eggs.
To remove any growth of fungi or bacteria on the eggs and hence prevent fungi or bacteria from
inhibiting the development of the eggs it is suggested that goliath stick insect eggs be washed
every six months.
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