Indian+Walking+Stick

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// Carausius morosus // Order: Phasmatodea

=**__Husbandry Information__**=

Housing Requirements

 * A double tank system is better as they are excellent climbers. Screening should be fine mesh.
 * Taller tanks are preferred to provide adequate climbing space.
 * Coconut bedding or Soil can be used for substrate if you prefer, however, after any substrate changes, old soil should be frozen at -120*F for several days to prevent any eggs from hatching.
 * Old food should be thoroughly checked for eggs and juveniles before also freezing. Remove old leaves and chewed pieces of food often to prevent mold.
 * Temperature Requirements: 68-75*F
 * Humidity Requirements: 75-80% Any standing water should be covered with sponges or filter floss to prevent drowning.
 * Tanks should be moist but well ventilated to prevent mold or fungal growth.

Diet Requirements

 * Wild diet includes raspberry, roses, ivy and leaves from other bramble-like plants.
 * Pittsburgh Zoo & PG Aquarium: Ours were on a diet of raspberry leaves, which is not available here year-round. We grew raspberry plants indoors through the winter months. We tried alternative food sources such as lettuce as a supplement, but found that they didn't do as well or would not eat it.

Veterinary Concerns

 * Be sure that plants have not been treated with pesticides prior to feeding.

Notes on Enrichment & Training


=__Programmatic Information__=

Tips on Handling

 * Be very gentle if handling as legs can be easily damaged.

Potential Messaging

 * Camouflage
 * Insects
 * What are Pests?
 * Introduced species

=__Acquisition Information__=
 * Check your facility's APHIS permits prior to obtaining as they are a regulated species and can be highly invasive if they escape.

=__Comments from the Rating System__=
 * Pittsburgh Zoo & PG Aquarium: Ours were on a diet of raspberry leaves, which is not available here year-round. We grew raspberry plants indoors through the winter months. We tried alternative food sources such as lettuce as a supplement, but found that they didn't do as well or would not eat it.

=__Natural History Information__=

Range and Habitat

 * Tropical forests of Southern India

Physical Description

 * Adults can reach 4-5" in length.
 * Adults are tan to brown in color and often resemble a twig.

Life Cycle

 * Lifespan is 9-18 months.
 * Eggs are very small and resemble plant seeds.
 * Nymphs are approximately 1" at hatching size and will begin eating quickly.
 * Nymphs will mold 6 times before reaching adult size.
 * Color changes as nymphs age, from tan to green, then to light brown.

Behavior

 * Having such great camouflage, they will typically hide during the day and eat at night.

Threats and Conservation Status
=__Did you know…__=
 * Indian walking sticks are parthenogenic, or females can lay unfertilized eggs that will still hatch into more females.
 * Indian walking sticks are also called "Laboratory Walking Sticks"
 * There are over 2000 different types of stick insects.

=__Photographs__=

=__Contributors and Citations__=
 * Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

//When adding a new page, remember to add tags!//
 * //Activity Schedule: diurnal, nocturnal, crepuscular//
 * //Continent of Origin//
 * //Diet Requirements: carnivore, herbivore, omnivore, etc.//
 * //General Habitat/Biome: deserts, forests, mountains, etc.//