Mary Allen
Walking leaves are masters of camouflage, have adapted perfectly to their natural habitat over time. Depending on their habitat, they are usually green, yellow, or brown, monochromatic or mottled, or even have slightly frayed edges. From the outside, they can hardly be distinguished from real leaves, if at all. The reason for camouflage (=mimesis) is the attempt to imitate leaves and thus remain undetected by enemies.
The herbivorous, nocturnal insect belongs to the subfamily (Phylliinae) within the order of the mantis. So far, a distinction is made between 50 different subspecies. Since new taxa have been discovered again and again in recent years, it can be assumed that further species will be discovered in the future.
Acquisition and Maintenance
The insects are peaceful herbivores and are also extremely easy to care for.
The land insect is available in pet shops or online.
Requirements for the Terrarium
Changing leaves are kept in the terrarium. Caterpillar boxes or glass terrariums are suitable for this, but plastic terrariums can also be used temporarily. The terrarium should be at least 25 cm long and 25 cm wide and 40 cm high, as the animals tend to move vertically. These dimensions apply when keeping an animal. If you wish to keep several Wandering Leaves in one terrarium, the size should be adjusted accordingly. In any case, ensure that the terrarium is well ventilated.
Peat or a dry, inorganic substrate such as pebbles or vermiculite is suitable as soil material. A display with kitchen paper is also possible. This is particularly useful when eggs laid by the animals want to be collected. The inorganic or organic floor covering should be changed at regular intervals, otherwise, mold or fungus can occur. In addition, the insect’s excrement can cause an unpleasant odor.
In order to offer the animals sufficient opportunities for climbing, feeding, and camouflage, the forage plants that have been cut off should be placed in a container with water in the terrarium and exchanged at regular intervals. Rotten or moldy leaves should also be disposed of due to illness.
The exotics prefer a temperature of 23 to 27 degrees Celsius. To achieve this, a heat lamp, a heating cable or a heating mat can be used. It is important to ensure that the technical aids are not in direct contact with the forage plants or even their containers. Otherwise, the warming of the water can lead to the formation of rot.
The humidity in the terrarium should be 60 to 80%. It is sufficient to spray the terrarium once a day. However, an automatic sprinkler system can also be used. A water bowl or drinker is not necessary as the insects absorb water droplets from the leaves.
Gender Differences
Significant differences can be seen between male and female Wandering Leaves. Females are significantly larger and heavier than their male counterparts. In addition, they have the ability to fly. Males, on the other hand, are not able to fly and have a narrower body and lighter weight.
Feed & Nutrition
It is not for nothing that walking leaves are also referred to as phytophagous insects. Phytophagous means eating leaves, which are also the insect’s main source of food. In the tropical and subtropical homeland, Wandering Leaves feed on the foliage of mango, cacao, guava, rambutan, or other exotic plants.
When kept in our regions, foliage from native plants and shrubs can be used without hesitation. Blackberries, raspberries, wild roses, or oak or grapes are suitable for this.
Acclimatization and Handling
Changing leaves adapt quickly to their surroundings and usually sit motionless between leaves and branches during the day. Only at night do they wander around and go in search of food.
The peaceful herbivores are ideal for observation. Even experienced keepers often need a long time to discover their well-camouflaged companions in the terrarium.