Typophyllum cf lunates

Basic caresheet

Common name
leaf katydid

Origin
French Guiana and surrounding South American countries

Adult size
Females: up to 5 cm
Males: slightly smaller

Temperature & humidity requirements
Day: 22 to 28 °C
Night: 16 to 24 °C
Humidity: high

Feeding source
Strictly herbivorous
Feeds mainly on Buddleja leaves and seems to benefit from the toxins in this plant
Other suitable plants include figwort and ribwort plantain
Avoid bramble and privet, which are not accepted
Always provide fresh, pesticide free leaves
If using Buddleja stems in water, change the water regularly to avoid fouling

Housing requirements
A medium sized terrarium (around 30 × 45 × 45 cm) is suitable for a colony
Glass or plastic enclosures with limited ventilation work best, since they keep humidity high
Provide moss, leaves and branches for hiding and camouflage
They prefer shaded, humid environments
Mist lightly every evening with chlorine free water

Breeding guidelines
Females prefer rotten wood for egg laying, but a block of dampened florist’s oasis also works well
Males produce a soft, quiet chirp
Egg laying usually occurs in the evening or at night

Egg incubation guidelines
Eggs are best left inside rotten wood or florist’s oasis for natural incubation
Incubation usually takes less than 3 months
Keep the medium moist but never waterlogged, and avoid mold buildup