Dares philippinensis
(Bragg, 1998) PSG N°331
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Phasmatodea
Family: Heteropterygidae
Subfamily: Dataminae
Genre: Dares
Dares philippinensis is a small species native to Palawan (Island in the Philippines).
This species mainly uses camouflage to defend itself. But when that is not enough, it uses (especially young stick insects) thanatosis : it simulates death to escape its predators.
Be careful when replacing food, eggs can remain stuck on branches and leaves. Also be careful with the young which camouflage themselves very well.
Development is quite long 10 to 12 months, but they can live 1 to 2 years.
Its breeding is simple, it is a small species that does not need a large terrarium. It feeds little. Its breeding is simple but Dares philippinensis is a very discreet species and not very visible during the day.
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For the eggs:
Provide an incubation box. We recommend our micro-perforated boxes with lids. Then several possibilities:
For young people:
Either you raise them with the adults (be careful when changing food, the young are small and fragile) or you raise them separately. You will therefore have to use the same model of terrarium as the adults but of a smaller size.
The floor of the terrarium will be covered with damp paper towels to maintain good humidity and make it easier to maintain the terrarium.
For adults:
Minimum (recommended) height of the terrarium: 2.5 times the size of the adult female.
The size of the terrarium will depend on the number of specimens. This species is small and does not need a very large terrarium. For example, in a 30 x 30 x 30 terrarium, more than ten adults can be kept. It is important to have sufficient height for moulting.
In addition, the terrarium must be partially ventilated . For example, with only one side made of mesh and the others made of glass. This will help maintain sufficient humidity.
The floor of the terrarium will be covered with damp paper towels to maintain good humidity and make it easier to maintain the terrarium.
Dares philippinensis remain hidden during the day, so bark and hiding places can be placed there.
This species feeds mainly on bramble and raspberry. Hawthorn, hazel and oak can also be used.
To do this, you need to arrange the branches in the terrarium by placing the stems in a jar of water (to avoid drowning, be sure to block the entrance to the jar with paper towels, for example).
Renew as soon as the food begins to fade.
Temperature: between 20°C and 25°C.
Humidity:
For the eggs: The incubation medium and the atmosphere must remain moist. To do this, spray a little water whenever necessary. Be careful if it is too dry, either there will be no births, or the young may not be able to come out of the egg completely or will be poorly formed.
For young: Humid atmosphere required, approximately 70/90% humidity. Be careful if it is too dry, the moults will be missed. Humidity can be provided by the food plant thanks to the foliage. Otherwise, you must spray a little water as soon as necessary.
For adults: Humid atmosphere required, approximately 70/80% humidity. Humidity can be provided by the nourishing plant through the foliage. Otherwise, spray a little water as needed.
Lighting : Lighting is optional if the ambient light is sufficient. Otherwise, additional lighting will be required.
Laying method: The female drops her eggs on the ground.
Frequency of laying: Laying occurs in periods. Indeed, as soon as the female becomes an adult, her abdomen is still thin. After a few weeks and after mating, the abdomen will grow and dilate until laying.
Egg collection: As soon as possible or each time the terrarium is cleaned and the bottom paper towel is changed.
Incubation period: 3 to 5 months. Care must be taken to maintain good humidity and to ensure that there is no development of mold.
Development time : 10 to 12 months.
Means of defense: None
Reproduction: sexual.
Means of defense: None. Camouflages or uses thanatosis (plays dead)
Activity : Nocturnal stick insect. During the day it hides under bark. At night it moves, feeds and the females lay eggs.
Lifespan: The life span is about 1 to 2 years.
Prolificacy: Medium to high
