Husbandry Manual Goliath Stick Insect - Nswfmpa.org

Husbandry Manual for Eurycnema goliath
Tara Bearman
NB Each phasmid nymph will require one small branch with a couple of leaves per day.
Day Diet
1 Two-three species from above list i.e. leaves from two species of eucalyptus and
leaves from a blackberry plant.
2-3 Replace the favoured food plant and alternate the other two for enrichment.
11.5 Specific Requirements
Nymphs need to be kept hydrated. It is critical that they are sprayed with water once a day
minimum. Higher humidity means that the enclosure, that the nymphs are kept in, will be
predisposed to bacteria and fungi. This is suspected to be a large factor in the high mortality
rates of nymphs. It is recommended that a non-toxic disinfectant, such as F10, be used to clean
the enclosure daily. It is also recommended that the enclosure the nymphs reside in is made
primarily of glass. If this is unavailable an enclosure constructed from wood would be the next
best option. Only use plastic enclosures as a last resort, plastic is easily scratched during daily
cleaning and within the scratches it can harbour bacteria and fungi, increasing the risk of high
mortality rates.
11.6 Data Recording
There is a large gap in research on egg weights during incubation. There is little incentive to
carry out such research which is why there is extremely limited data available. However keeping
as many records as possible allows you to keep a good eye on the history of your insects. When
making records ensure to include the date, the type of entry (i.e. observation), any comments
and the individual identification of the insect.
11.7 Identification Methods
This is a fairly non applicable area when it comes to the goliath stick insect as there is very little
that can be done without traumatizing your insect. However the following methods are some of
the ways that you may, be able to individually identify the phasmids. Whether these methods are
feasible or not, is up to the individual institution that house the phasmids. See Section 5.3
Methods of Identification, for further information.
1. Individual housing.
2. Individual markings or patterns.
3. Individual “battle scars”.
4. Wing notching.
5. Marked with number.
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