Extatosoma tiaratum
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 Male E. tiaratum on a leaf
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| Extatosoma tiaratum (Macleay, 1826) |
Extatosoma tiaratum is an Australian insect, also known as Macleay's spectre or the giant prickly stick insect.
In their natural habitat they feed on eucalyptus. In captivity, they are often fed guava leaves, which are easy to cultivate, or bramble, which also grows during winter in Europe.
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[edit] Taxonomy
There are two subspecies described at present.
[edit] Behaviour
The eggs are hurled away by the female and land on the ground. They are then often carried away by ant, as they look like plant seeds. The newly hatched nymph is a close replica of the (Leptomyrmex ants, especially L. darlingtoni). They have a red head and black body, the abdomen is curled upwards (Leptomyrmex does this, too) and they walk rapidly.
[edit] Care in captivity
Has been bred in Europe for many years.
[edit] Phasmid Study Group
Subspecies tiaratum is on the Culture List of the Phasmid Study Group.
[edit] Gallery
 Hatchling (first instar) |
 Second instar male |
 Fifth instar male |
 Male eating |
 Female |
 Fifth instar female |
 Sixth instar female |
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 Adult female |
[edit] External links
- A Guide to the Stick Insects of Australia
- Photograph of Extatosoma tiaratum
- an English site of this specie, with beautifull pictures
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