In a Pickle with a Phasmid

ColeopteraC

Arachnobaron
Joined
Mar 8, 2020
Messages
425
Hey all,

I know this isn't exactly the place to discuss uncommon phasmids. But it is also one of my last resorts (yikes this must be dramatic*)

I have hatchlings of Orthomeria Kangi, a pretty little nettle feeder. They are more specialist than some easier sp., but are still well documented taking Urtica (nettles), Pyracantha (firethorn) & some uncommon Ficus.

The problem; they are refusing foodplants with a passion.These hatchlings are kept in a standard hatchling setup, they can't move without tripping over a whole plethora of diff foodplants which no other breeders have problems with. I spray semi regularly with fine mist and cut the edges of the leaves to make it all very hospitable. I've tried all sorts of methods, only semi-productive one is the "apple slice" (where a slither of apple is provided as moisture and to wet the appetite. They suck the apple but take on no foodplant) etc. It is all very strange and I've never had it happen with any phasmid. Even with far "trickier" species.

Anyone have any similar experiences? if not with this sp. fussy eating phasmids in general. How did you fix it?
 
Last edited:

Insectotron

Arachnopeon
Joined
Mar 22, 2019
Messages
33
I Don't have experiences raising phasmids, but I do know some species do prefer different host plants at different instars. Like the northern stick insect. they tend to feed on hazel when young then move to oak when they get older. Do you think that's the case?
 

Salmonsaladsandwich

Arachnolord
Joined
Jul 28, 2016
Messages
633
Sometimes phasmid hatchlings will only want to eat leaf edges that have already been chewed by another phasmid, even if you cut leaves for them (or maybe the stimulus of being around other phasmids feeding makes them eat). Do you have any older phasmids that eat the same foodplants?
 
Top