Are leaf insects safe for pregnant women ?

[Chicken28]

Hi, I’m pregnant right now and just wondering if it’s safe to get a phyillium leaf insect? Can I catch any illnesses from it or can it carry any bacteria that might be damaging to the unborn child? Thanks in advance!

 

[The Seraph]

Hi, I’m pregnant right now and just wondering if it’s safe to get a phyillium leaf insect? Can I catch any illnesses from it or can it carry any bacteria that might be damaging to the unborn child? Thanks in advance!

Probably not. Few insects in the hobby can transmit illnesses to humans, for obvious reasons, and I doubt many of even any leaf insects can transmit disease to humans. You and your child will probably be fine.

 

[MasterOogway]

They're pretty benign; just be aware of any legal restrictions on owning them. They're illegal over here in the States, not sure what the situation is in Germany.

 

[Dry Desert]

They're pretty benign; just be aware of any legal restrictions on owning them. They're illegal over here in the States, not sure what the situation is in Germany.

The leaf insect will not cause any problems -- just be very thorough in rinsing their food plants. Blackberry / Bramble from the wild.

 

[BuzzSwole]

The only insects or arachnids that could affect you or your child are those that would normally just affect you. Such as any invertebrates that suck blood or are venomous.

 

[Andrea82]

No problem at all. Be sure the feeder plants are pesticide-free, both for you and the Phyllium.

 

[schmiggle]

This is the most novel thread title I've seen in months

 

[Salmonsaladsandwich]

A leaf insect is one of the cleanest bugs out there. Starts out as a little egg and from there on out all the matter in its body is just the leaves it eats.

 

[SonsofArachne]

As long as you don't eat them.....

 

[The Snark]

@Chicken28 Nice to hear of someone being sensible and cautious in this age of chemical soups and global disease transmission.
There is one watch for: chlorpyrifros do cross the placenta so make certain the food you provide for your critter is pesticide free. Also, they add adjuncts to pesticides to resist being washed off - a way of turning bushes and trees into insect killers for the long run and the heck with the health of the consumers.

 

[KevinsWither]

Perfectly safe lol

 

[Bob Lee]

As long as you don't eat them.....

Damn it I was going to say that...

 

[BoyFromLA]

Damn it I was going to say that...

It wouldn’t hurt to say twice, since it is really important not to eat them.