Platymeris Biguttatus Care

[KalimAka]

Good day upon you all. I am quite indeed interested in the Platymeris biguttatus (White spotted assassin bug) and am wishing for assistance towards the care of such insects. Looking upon this forum, I have learned much information that was bequeathed in recent years (as to avoid travails such as datedness) but still have question that were not answered by my scrying. Notably among these questions is that of habitat size. I only have a thirty two (32) ounce deli cup for it to be in. Would this serve as a temporary (TEMPORARY) home for three (3) small to medium sized nymphs to reside in for the temporary time being? Furthermore, how much would such beings need to be fed to avoid cannibalism?

I thank you in advance for advice you shall bequeath upon me.

 

[chanda]

Yes, that should be fine as temporary housing for three nymphs, as long as you also provide loosely stacked egg crate pieces or something similar to provide hiding places. I typically feed my nymphs twice a week or so - but you can also just eyeball them. If their abdomens are plump, they've recently eaten. When they start to flatten out, it's time to feed them again. Of course, even when well fed, there is still a risk of cannibalism - but generally, these guys do pretty well communally.

 

[KalimAka]

Yes, that should be fine as temporary housing for three nymphs, as long as you also provide loosely stacked egg crate pieces or something similar to provide hiding places. I typically feed my nymphs twice a week or so - but you can also just eyeball them. If their abdomens are plump, they've recently eaten. When they start to flatten out, it's time to feed them again. Of course, even when well fed, there is still a risk of cannibalism - but generally, these guys do pretty well communally.

Thank you for this deeply. I have a cork bark slate which can be put at a leaning angle. Would such a thing such as this cork bark slate be acceptable?

 

[chanda]

Thank you for this deeply. I have a cork bark slate which can be put at a leaning angle. Would such a thing such as this cork bark slate be acceptable?

A cork slab is a good start. Be sure to leave ample open space below it for the nymphs to hang upside down while molting. If the cork has big enough holes or pockets in it for the nymphs to hide inside them, then it's sufficient - but if it's relatively smooth or if the holes/pockets are too small for the nymphs to hide in them, then additional cover (hiding places) would be a good idea. They do appreciate having dark, sheltered spots where they can hide.

 

[KalimAka]

A cork slab is a good start. Be sure to leave ample open space below it for the nymphs to hang upside down while molting. If the cork has big enough holes or pockets in it for the nymphs to hide inside them, then it's sufficient - but if it's relatively smooth or if the holes/pockets are too small for the nymphs to hide in them, then additional cover (hiding places) would be a good idea. They do appreciate having dark, sheltered spots where they can hide.

What if I were to orient the container they are to be placed within in such a way that they are shaded and away from light, while not necessarily being an actual dark place?

 

[Salmonsaladsandwich]

When I had P. biguttatus I just kept them warm and dry and fed them as much as they'd eat. You don't need to worry about overfeeding them as when they've eaten enough they'll stop eating until they're ready to molt.

 

[chanda]

What if I were to orient the container they are to be placed within in such a way that they are shaded and away from light, while not necessarily being an actual dark place?

That would be fine for general keeping, especially for adults. My adults will just hang out on the back side of a diagonal cork slab and generally don't seem to mind being crowded or semi-exposed - but nymphs really like to have plenty of hiding places. It may also help to reduce the risk of cannibalism or fighting because they will be less stressed and less likely to fight over whatever few hiding places they do have.

 

[KalimAka]

That would be fine for general keeping, especially for adults. My adults will just hang out on the back side of a diagonal cork slab and generally don't seem to mind being crowded or semi-exposed - but nymphs really like to have plenty of hiding places. It may also help to reduce the risk of cannibalism or fighting because they will be less stressed and less likely to fight over whatever few hiding places they do have.

I see. Thank you deeply for this. I will look into adding more hiding spots.