Stickbugs

[Pacmaster]

Got some about 2 weeks ago, to try as feeders for my amphibians.
They were tiny like little hairs with legs.
Growing nicely on a diet of rosebush.

I just put them in a 2g plastic jar with fine butterfly mesh top ducktaped on.
There is nothing like opening a sterelite tub and having 35 walking sticks climb EVERYWHERE!

These are the dreaded Indian Walking Sticks, scourge of gardeners in warm climates, bane of rose lovers everywhere . . .

 

[GiantVinegaroon]

That's pretty cool! Take more pics!

 

[Pacmaster]

Thanks, Ill get some more pics next time I open the jar back up.
They are kind of a pain in the butt to keep contained.
I cant wait till they get 1 or 2 instars bigger.

 

[GartenSpinnen]

................................... ......................................... wait a minute......... isn't there some type of ban on walking sticks? Or is this a native species?

 

[Deroplatys]

Those arent Indians, the forelegs are too long and the antennae to small, looks more like Baculum thaii, or Thailand stick insect.
You might aswell keep them for enjoyment cause they are worth pretty much nothing nutrition wise so im told

 

[Pacmaster]

Well they were caught in San Diego originally, and the big problem there is the "indian" walking stick.
The ban, as I understand it, applies to shipping them.

Either way, I have them, they are WC, they are staying, and they are getting fed to my amphibs and Ts . . .

Deroplatys, thanks for chimin in with your knowledge from your vast experience(I would guess), and really contributing nothing but a misidentification and advice on something you obviously know nothing about.

Im no expert, but they match every picture and description Ive seen.

 

[ftorres]

HEllo Amphibioman,

Well the ban is not only on shipping but on owningkeeping exotic stick insects.
San Diego has Wild populations of S sypilus,C morosus,M extradentatum already stablished. I have also heard of some wild populations here in Hollywood.

So while the ban is on any exotic phasmids there is a lot of debate about collecting and keping these exotic wild phasmids already stablished here in California.

Could you post a head pic of your bigger one????

francisco

 

[Pacmaster]

I plan to change the leaves on wed nite, Ill see if I can get a decent close up shot.
They have all doubled in size since those pics.
They are still really thin, Im waiting for them to fill out some.