Spiny Sabah Stick Insect (Dares validispinus)
| Spiny Sabah Stick Insect Dares validispinus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Spiny Sabah Stick Insect |
| Name Lat. | Dares validispinus |
| Family | Heteropterygids |
| Family lat. | Heteropterygidae |
| Order | Phasmids |
| Order lat. | Phasmatodea |
| Origin | Borneo |
| Habitat | Rainforest |
| Diet | Fresh rose-family leaves |
| Humidity | 70-80 % |
| Behavior | Nocturnal, peaceful |
| Keeping | Individual, pair, group |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Housing | Humid terrarium |
| Breeding | Simple |
| Life Span | 10-20 months |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 3-4 cm |
| Temperature Day | 22-24 °C |
| Temperature Night | 20-22 °C |
| Housing Size | 20 x 20 x 30 cm |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.2"-1.6" |
| Temperature Day | 72-75 °F |
| Temperature Night | 68-72 °F |
| Housing Size | 10" x 10" x 10" |
Distribution and habitat
The crepuscular to nocturnal Small Bornean Stick Insects are native to the northern part (Sabah) of the island of Borneo. There, the wingless animals live in the low shrub region of the tropical rainforests, where they hide under bark and moist foliage during the day.
Maintenance
A terrarium of 20 x 20 x 30 cm (L x W x H) for one animal or a small group is recommended. 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, twigs and branches, which also serve as food plants. To keep them fresh longer, they should be served in narrow-necked, well-sealed (danger of drowning), stable containers (e.g. vase). The substrate of terrarium humus or a soil-sand mixture, covered with pieces of bark and leaves, should always be kept slightly moist. Once a day, preferably in the evening, the insectarium should be finely sprayed with water inside (humidity), but a rain or mist system is better. Special attention should be paid to evenly high humidity.
| Daytime temp: 22-24 °C | Night temperature: 20-22 °C | Humidity: 70-80 |
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
The food supply consists of fresh leaves of blackberry, honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida), laburnum, elderberry and ivy (Hedera helix), as well as leaves of hazel. Leaves of other roses and rose plants, such as red and hawthorn, raspberry, currant, wild rose, etc., as well as the leaves of beech, oak, linden, hazel, eucalyptus, or sweet chestnut are also accepted in different individual ways. Blackberries are ideal as food in winter, as they remain green. Spraying the forage plants allows the animals to satisfy their drinking needs. Additionally, 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
Both sexes have a dark brown base coloration and usually contrasting lighter areas. The smaller and much slimmer males bear more or less distinct beginnings of spines on the head, females have none.
Females lay 1-3 brown spotted spherical eggs weekly on the ground. The eggs have bright, curved hairs that often interlock. The incubation period is about 3-6 months, and the nymphs are about 14 mm long
After the last molt (imaginal molt), males live for about 9 months, females can live for about 18-22 months.
Important
Small Bornean stick insects need ample hiding places on the ground where they can retreat during the day.
When touched, the animals drop to the ground and remain motionless for a while (rigor mortis).
Before purchasing, a terrarium should be prepared that meets the species-specific needs. Good ventilation without drafts and devices for measuring temperature and humidity are necessary. 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