Peruphasma schultei / black beauty stick insect – 25x eggs

Peruphasma schultei, known as the black beauty stick insect and the golden-eyed stick insect, is a species of phasmid found in the Cordillera del Condor region of northern Peru. In Peru they are only known to exist in a region of less than 5 hectares, usually on volcanoes or mountains, but since their discovery they have become increasingly popular as pets worldwide due to their unusual colouration.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Size: females about 5,5 cm, males about 4,3 cm

Temperature: can be kept at room temperatures (18˚C-25˚C)

Humidity: 40-60%, do not keep this species in high humidity

Food: Privet (Ligustrum spp.), Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris), Forsythia, Aucuba japonica, Bramble, Olive tree.

Eggs: eggs take 3-4 months to hatch and nymphs grow up in about 5 months. Do not keep the eggs very humid, they do not suffer if kept dry for a short time. They will even hatch when kept totally dry.

Warning: this species can spray a defensive liquide from glands just behind the head when handled. This liquid irritates the eyes for a short while, not really harmful but better to avoid it (I have made the experience myself several times).