Peruphasma schultei
 

OrdnungPhasmatodea
 
UnterordnungVerophasmatodea 
InfraordnungAreolatae 
SuperfamiliePseudophasmatoidea Rehn, 1904
FamiliePseudophasmatidae Rehn, 1904
UnterfamiliePseudophasmatinaeRehn, 1904
TribusAnisomorphiniRedtenbacher, 1906
GattungPeruphasmaConle & Hennemann, 2002
ArtPeruphasma schulteiConle & Hennemann, 2005


general notes

  • this species has been cultivated successfully for the first time by Oskar Cone and Frank Hennemann (2005). It has been named after Rainer Schulte - a well-known amphibian expert, who found them in Peru
  • breeders who contributed to this care sheet  Oskar Conle, Frank Hennemann, Bruno Kneubühler

origin

  • Cordillera del Condor, 1200 – 1800m, Northern-Peru

females, males

  • females are 7 cm, males 6 cm long
  • both sexes have bright red wings which they display often when handled

food plants

  • they feed readily on privet (Ligustrum sp.) and Lonicera cf nitida sp. (which is a common garden plant)

breeding notes

  • this is one of the most beautiful species in culture today
  • small sized, yet easy to breed at room temperatures
  • egg take 3-4 months to hatch and nymphs grow up in about 5 months
  • do not keep the eggs very humid, they do not suffer if kept dry for a short time. They will even hatch when kept totally dry
  • an airy, well ventilated cage with dry paper on the ground is best
  • do not keep this species in high humidity
  • you may provide them with a cup of water, filled with paper tissue for them to drink water
  • they do well even in small cages
  • there is some chance that nymphs and adults will drown in the container for the food plants – therefore cover the container with cotton wool
  • warning - this species can spray a defensive liquide from glands just behind the head when handled. This liquid irritates the eyes for a short while, not really harmful but better to avoid it (I have made the experience myself)

photos