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Peruphasma schultei
(by Bruno Kneubuehler)
 

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

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)

References

• Phasmida Species Files  (www.phasmida.orthoptera.org)