Diapherodes gigantea: an outstanding stick insect for sale
Diapherodes gigantea is a striking stick insect belonging to the family Phasmatidae. One of its many remarkable features, besides the fascinating sexual dimorphism displayed by adult individuals, consists in its large size, which makes this insect one of the most demanded and appreciated by phasmid breeders.
Diapherodes gigantea eggs are now available in our SHOP, don’t lose this opportunity!
Diapherodes gigantea: a quick description
Diapherodes gigantea wild specimens are found in the Carribbean, especially in Saint Vincent and Grenada islands. Females of this species are among the largest insects commonly reared in captivity, reaching a length of at least 16 cm. Males are instead much smaller and slenderer, growing up to around 11 cm.
This stick insect exhibits a remarcable sexual dimorphism: apart from the size, adult males are characterized by the presence of long wings covering almost the entirety of their abdomen, functional but still unable to sustain a long flight. They also display a brown-greenish coloration and long antennas.
On the other hand, females are marked by a stunning light green coloration, with medium-small antennas and huge legs. They display an anatomical condition called brachyptery, in which wings are very reduced: this phenomenon is very common among stick and leaf insects, especially in female individuals.
Small spines are present both in male and female individuals, but they are not as remarkable as in other species.
To the untrained eye, Diapherodes gigantea may get confused with other stick insect species such as Heteropterix dilatata, however their geographical range, family and therefore their needs are completely different.
Ecology of the giant stick insect Diapherodes gigantea
Like most of the specimens belonging to the Phasmatodea order, Diapherodes gigantea’s defense mechanism is strictly based on cryptic mimicry, helping them to hide in the depths of Central America’s forests.
Their foodplants include Eucalyptus, Rubus, Quercus, Acacia species and some claim even Laurus nobilis.
Female individuals are completely uncapable of flight, since their wings are almost completely atrophied, however males can perform small flights to escape predators. Females may use their big legs to defend themselves by throwing kicks to a potential predator, both sexes can perform thanatosis.
D. gigantea reaches adulthood after about 6 months, males develop earlier than females. This species reproduces sexually, and the brown, round eggs are laid a few weeks after the mating, the female throws them on the ground with a fast abdomen movement. The complete lifespan of this insect may reach 12 months for males and 18 months for females.
This species insect is mainly nocturnal.
How to rear Diapherodes gigantea: a few tips
Diapherodes gigantea is an easy species to rear and breed, however their basic needs must be always strictly met, in order to obtain healthy individuals.
The main challenge when rearing this species is probably the choice of a correct cage: Diapherodes gigantea is a large species, hence it requires much space to avoid stress and allow them to molt properly. Generally, we recommend a cage that is at least three times the insect length in height, but this depends on the number of couples that are reared in the same enclosure. For example, you could heasily home 3 to 5 pairs of this stik insect species in our standard rearing cage, which is 60x40cm.
D. gigantea needs a temperature range between 20°C and 30°C and a humidity rate of about 60%, these conditions can easily be obtained by vaporizing water three times a week. Room temperature is generally fine unless it exceeds 30°C or gets cooler than 18°C, however the usage of additional warming setups may get the insects’ life cycle to speed up.
Eggs can be collected from the substrate very easily. They are quite similar to insect feces so you will need to pay attention not to throw them aaway accidentally. They can be incubated at around 20°C with a humidity of at least 60%, always trying to avoid mold formation. Hatching takes place after 8 months after egg laying and L1 nymphs are already of a generous size.
Ventilation is very important: we recommend using a cage with at least two nettle sides in order to get a sufficient air flow and avoid mold formation. Note that overcrowding must always be avoided with every insect, as it is a major cause of illnesses outbreaks.
This species is not very challenging to breed, together with Extatosoma tiaratum, Peruphasma shultei, Sipyloidea sipylus or Phaenopharos khaoyaiensis (also available on our shop) it is surely a beginner-friendly species.
