{"product_id":"oreophoetes-peruana","title":"Oreophoetes peruana","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ename\u003c\/strong\u003e: Peruvian Fern Stick Insect \/ Peruvian Fire Stick\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e: Native to the montane cloud forests of Peru, including populations from the Tarapoto region, at higher elevations where conditions stay cool and consistently humid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e: Feeds exclusively on ferns, from freshly hatched nymphs through to adults. Avoid ferns bought from garden centres as these are often treated with pesticides which remain harmful to insects long after purchase. Source ferns from an untreated garden or grow your own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e: 16 to 24 degrees. This species is sensitive to heat and should be kept under 25 to 26 degrees at all times. Sustained high temperatures can be fatal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity\u003c\/strong\u003e: 70 to 100 percent, misted once daily. Eggs benefit from extra spraying in the weeks before hatching, as nymphs can get stuck inside the egg if humidity is too low.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize\u003c\/strong\u003e: Adult females reach around 7 to 8cm body length with yellow and black colouring, long antennae, and white stripes running the length of the body. Adult males are slightly smaller at around 6cm and turn a bright red with black legs. Nymphs resemble small versions of the adult females, yellow and black, and are active and visible during the day rather than hiding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan\u003c\/strong\u003e: 10 to 12 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDefense: This species has a pair of glands on the thorax that release a milky white defensive fluid when disturbed. The spray has a strong unpleasant smell and can irritate eyes and sensitive skin on contact. Uniquely, the fluid contains quinoline, a compound otherwise known only from coal tar and petroleum, and this stick insect is the only known animal to produce it naturally. Handle gently and wash hands after contact, especially if you have any cuts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding\u003c\/strong\u003e: Not parthenogenetic, a male and female are both required for fertile eggs. Females start laying around 1 to 2 weeks after their final moult, typically producing 1 to 2 eggs per day, adding up to hundreds over their lifetime. Eggs are small, around 3 by 2mm, and darken as the embryo develops. Incubation takes about 4 months on a damp substrate. Given how prolific this species is, freezing part of the eggs is recommended to avoid being overwhelmed by nymphs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHousing\u003c\/strong\u003e: A cage of at least 25x25x25cm suits 2 to 3 adult pairs, larger enclosures such as 30x30x45cm comfortably house up to 4 pairs. Line the floor with moss to help hold humidity. Keep most of the top ventilation covered to retain moisture, and make sure nymphs approaching their final moult have enough clear space beneath them to moult safely.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ilyas Insects","offers":[{"title":"10x Medium sized nymphs","offer_id":60238244905294,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0889\/1881\/9150\/files\/IMG-2592.jpg?v=1785256891","url":"https:\/\/ilyasinsects.com\/nl\/products\/oreophoetes-peruana","provider":"Ilyas Insects","version":"1.0","type":"link"}