Peruvian Fern Insect (Oreophoetes peruana)

Peruvian Fern Insect Oreophoetes peruana
Name	Peruvian Fern Insect
Name Lat.	Oreophoetes peruana
Family	Diapheromerids
Family lat.	Diapheromeridae
Order	Phasmids
Order lat.	Phasmatodea
Origin	Peru
Habitat	Rainforest
Diet	Ferns, rose-family leaves
Humidity	60-90 %
Behavior	Nocturnal, peaceful
Keeping	Individual, pair, group
Care Level	Easy
Housing	Humid terrarium
Breeding	Simple
Life Span	10-18 months
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	5-7 cm
Temperature Day	20-23 °C
Temperature Night	18-20 °C
Housing Size	30 x 30 x 50 cm
US Units
Size	2"-2.8"
Temperature Day	68-73 °F
Temperature Night	64-68 °F
Housing Size	10" x 10" x 20"

Distribution and habitat

The crepuscular to nocturnal fern grasshoppers are native to western South America, especially Peru. There, the wingless animals live on various fern plants of the low shrub regions in the mountain rainforests.

Maintenance

A terrarium of L 30 x W 30 x H 50 cm is recommended for a pair or a small group. A terrarium with a cover made of gauze or fine metal mesh is best. The terrarium should be placed in a quiet place without sunlight

They need climbing opportunities, such as cork back walls, branches and ferns, which also serve as food plants. In order to keep them fresh for a longer time, they should be served in narrow-necked, well-sealed (danger of drowning), stable containers (e.g. vase). Suitable substrate is terrarium humus or a soil-sand mixture covered with moss, which should always be kept slightly moist. Daily, preferably in the evening, the insectarium should be finely sprayed with water inside (humidity), but a rain or fog system is better. Waterlogging should be avoided at all costs. Good ventilation is especially important.

Daytime temp: 20-23 °C

Temp. night: 18-20 °C

Humidity: 60-90

Although the animals are nocturnal, a light source that also produces the necessary heat is ideal. The lighting duration should be 8-12 hours, depending on the season

Diet

In nature, they feed mainly on different ferns. The food supply therefore consists of various tropical and native fern plants, such as bracken, beech, thorn, royal and striped ferns, but also the fresh leaves of pepper plants and rose plants are individually accepted differently. Ribbed, shield, and worm ferns are ideal as winter feeders because they remain green. Spraying the food plants allows the animals to satisfy their drinking needs. In addition, a wick waterer is recommended. Eaten branches, dried and rotten leaves must be removed regularly

A regular and varied diet promotes the well-being of the animals.

Reproduction and breeding

Males are much smaller and slimmer than females, have red coloration and black legs and antennae. The females have a bright sulfur yellow body with 2 black longitudinal stripes.

They can reproduce sexually or asexually by virgin reproduction (parthenogenesis). Females lay 1-2 eggs up to 3 mm in size daily. After about 60-90 days, the approximately 1.5 mm long nymphs hatch. After the last molt (imaginal molt), the animals live up to 18 months

Important

Fern insects have defense glands in the forechest, from which they can secrete a very unpleasant smelling secretion when disturbed. This defensive secretion can cause allergies.

The animals can run relatively fast.

Before buying a terrarium should be prepared, which corresponds to the species-specific needs. Necessary is good ventilation without drafts, as well as equipment for measuring temperature and humidity. The lighting has to correspond to the species-specific day-night rhythm and has to be installed in such a way that the animals cannot injure themselves

The terrarium should be locked in such a way that neither unauthorized persons can open it nor the animals can escape. Special attention must be paid to thorough hygiene and impurities must be removed regularly

Further literature can be found in your pet store

References

Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak

Source: SEILER, BRADLER, KOCH (2000): Ratgeber Phasmiden, Verlag Bede; ENGELMANN & LANGE (2011): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Wirbellose, Harri Deutsch Verlag