Cryptic Leaf Insect (Cryptophyllium sp) - Nymphs
A really lovely, vibrant green species of Cryptophyllium. We have cultured this species from some mystery eggs gifted to us, so we can’t say for sure which species these are!
There are very few Cryptophyllium nymphs available in the hobby hence the price.
We have a feeling they’re Cryptophyllium icarus "Bidoup Nui Ba" from Vietnam.
If you know for sure please get in touch!
All nymphs of our culture are female, with freshly hatched nymphs being red and dark brown, and developing their green colour after a few days.
Nymphs available will be L2-L3
- Adult size: females 8-9cm
- Lifespan: approx. 12-15 months
- Status: captive bred
- Place of Origin: unknown
- Parthenogenetic: yes
- Temperature: 20-24˚C
- Humidity: 60-70%
- Diet: bramble
Special requirements: a slight breeze every so often encourages them to feed. Mist daily or when dry. Do not overcrowd or keep with other species of stick and leaf insect, if not they will nibble each other!
The EntoScapes Way
Shipping Info
Return & Refund Policy - Live Inverts
- We like to keep our Cryptophyllium around 20-22˚C and humidity ranges between 60-70%, but these will do just fine at average room temperature so long as the humidity is kept in the higher ranges which aids the molting process. Enclosure size should be at least 3 times the length of the body of the insect in height, and at least 2x the length of the insect in width. Something around 20x20x30cm would work fine for 2-3 insects.
- We use a mesh enclosure, as we find the mesh provides excellent cross-ventilation and provides extra surface area for the stick insects to utilise. As these invertebrates are arboreal, its important to try and replicate these conditions in captivity. Alternatively, a tall glass or plastic enclosure can be used if it has adequate cross ventilation and surface grip. We add a variety of hardwood branches as décor and to provide a more natural, enriching habitat.
- We like to line the floor of the enclosure with some paper towels which catch the faeces and absorb excess moisture, reducing the chances of mold. PLEASE AVOID USING SUBSTRATE AND CLEAN UP CREW. The light colouration of the tissue also helps with spotting eggs and differentiating them from droppings. Once a week we replace the tissue and separate out eggs from poo. It is important to mention that we ONLY collect as many eggs as we can care for, the remainder are frozen for 72+ hours to prevent hatching. Eggs can be incubated in moist sphagnum moss or vermiculite at 21-23˚C and can take between 3-5 months to hatch.
- We like to gather our own foodplants for our stick insects from local parks and forests which we know are safe and have minimal or no pesticide use. We suggest picking branches with leaves that are away from the main path, higher than ground level, and are healthy and free from signs of fungal infections and disease. Generally, if the leaves are green, intact and have other little critters living on them, then you are good to go! Avoid super new growth as these leaves are high in sugar and some species will not eat them.
- We cut the branches at a length that is 10cm or so less than the height of the enclosure which ensures there is a suitable gap at the top for stick insects to molt if the choose to do it there. The branches are soaked in water for 15-20 minutes to remove any surface debris and hitchhikers. The end of the branches are placed in a jar of fresh water to keep the cuttings fresher for longer. We push some paper towel into the top of the jar to close off the opening which prevents any smaller stick insects from drowning, but you can use sponges or alternatively non-spill paint pots. Once a week we replace the branches with fresh ones, but this can vary for different hobbyists. You will want to change the branches once they have gone limp and start to look dry. Stick insects will only eat live leaves, so its important to keep on top of food changes.
