Leaf Insect Blue-Green Morph Insect Specimen Phasmatodea Centipede Scorpion Whip Scorpion Millipede

Scientific Name: Unknown

I believe they are the most healing characters among insects.
Their bodies are so thin, it's a wonder they are alive.

They are slow-moving herbivores that rely on camouflage and their forewings for defense against predators such as birds, amphibians, and reptiles. Females live for 4-7 months, and males live for 3 weeks to 1 month.

The preferred temperature for this species is 24-28°C, with a drop of about 2-3°C at night. While temperature does not significantly affect them, it does slow down their development. It is important to ensure the temperature does not drop below 22°C. Low humidity can cause stress and potentially lead to death.

The herbivorous Phyllium bioculatum primarily feeds on mango, guava, and rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum). However, in captivity, they also accept plants such as oak (Quercus), dewberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
A study on the feeding habits of this leaf insect was conducted in Sri Lanka. The specimens primarily consumed guava. Therefore, the local name for this species in Sri Lanka is Pela Kolaya (guava leaf). In many regions, they are colloquially named based on their diet.

Females lay eggs over several months. Hatching takes 5-7 months at 25°C. The eggs are beige-brown and approximately 6-7mm in length.
However, due to parthenogenesis, the laid eggs are often unfertilized. This is a form of asexual reproduction observed in females, where embryonic development occurs without fertilization by a male. The eggs are oval or barrel-shaped, resembling seeds. Different types of egg-laying are observed in leaf insects. The eggs of this species are projected by moving the abdomen backward. In one study, the ratio of the distance the eggs were thrown to the insect's body length was compared to other species and found to be 24-36. Unfertilized eggs hatch in 6 months, while fertilized eggs hatch in 3-4 months. Only females hatch unfertilized eggs, while both males and females can hatch fertilized eggs. Females lay approximately 100 eggs at intervals of several days. The larvae are red upon hatching but turn green after 3-7 days. These larvae are laid at a rate of 3 per day per female.

I measured the leg span to be 72mm.
The specimen pictured will be shipped. Collected in June 2023.
Please understand that we cannot guarantee against damage incurred during shipping.