Peruphasma schultei "Cordillera del Condor"

(by Bruno Kneubuehler)

General Notes

• breeders who contributed to this care sheet  Oskar Conle, Frank Hennemann

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Origin

• Cordillera del Condor, 1200 – 1800m, Northern-Peru

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Females, Males

• females are 7 cm, males 6 cm long
• both sexes have bright red wings which they display often when handled

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Food Plants

• they feed readily on privet (Ligustrum sp.) and Lonicera cf nitida sp. (which is a common garden plant)
• Aucuba (Aucuba japonica)  - is well accepted by all stages (Sarah-Jane Dulitz, Germany)
• bramble (Rubus spp.) - is well accepted by L3+  (Yeisson Gutierrez, Germany)
• Olive tree (Olea europaea.) - is well accepted by nymphs and adults  (Pablo Valero, Spain)

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Breeding Notes

• this is one of the most beautiful species in culture today
• small sized, yet easy to breed at room temperatures
• egg 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
• an airy, well ventilated cage with dry paper on the ground is best
• do not keep this species in high humidity
• you may provide them with a cup of water, filled with paper tissue for them to drink water
• they do well even in small cages
• there is some chance that nymphs and adults will drown in the container for the food plants – therefore cover the container with cotton wool
• 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)