Stick and Leaf Insects: Achrioptera Fallax...small Nymphs Are About 2.5 To 3.5cm Long

Achrioptera fallax care sheet

Housing- Small-medium nymphs should be kept in a faunarium with a mesh/net top instead
of the lid to prevent mould. And large nymphs and adults should be kept in a big mesh for
insects which can be easily bought on eBay.
Temp- Around 25�C can be achieved with a heatmat under the container/mesh.
Humidity- 80%, this is crucial so maintaining this should be the main priority. Misting the
enclosure 2-3 times a day should be sufficient.
Lighting- Any light can be used, but an LED light or even just sunlight is the best.
Food- Bramble is the main food source, to spare time and not have to collect fresh bramble
everyday or so, place it into a cup of water, but make sure the stick insects are not able to
get into the cup and drown. A bit of mesh covering the top should do the job.
Substrate- The best substrate is just some kitchen roll. It holds moisture well and it's easy to
clean the enclosure. (which should be cleaned every 1-2 weeks)
Nymphs (EXTRA IMPORTANT)- The main reason some people may not have success with
this species is that the nymphs are not able to eat the bramble leaves because they are too
hard, so due to this they die of starvation. Therefore you must cut the edges of the leaves
with scissors. You can also use small fan for 10 mins once or twice a day to encourage them
to eat.
Overall this species is relatively easy to keep. All that is needed is two mists a day, fresh
bramble every couple days and a maintenance every 1-2 weeks.
Egg incubation- Incubate in a plastic container with ventilation at 24�C - 28�C which can be
reached with a heatmat under the container (an empty cricket box for example under a
plastic container with ovas to elevate it above the heatmat to prevent quick drying and
overheating) with mesh over it to allow good air flow to prevent mould as 75% humidity is
needed (spray 2-3 times a day) For the substrate kitchen roll or vermiculite with a piece of
tight/stockings to place the eggs on for easy cleaning is the best but watch out for any mould
growth when using kitchen roll. Or an exo terra incubator can be used instead. Incubation
can take 4-6 months.