Benoitolus siamensis

Brief description:

Benoitolus siamensis is a small, slender species. It has a dark grey ground color, whereby the edges of the head shield, the posterior section of the double segments and the anal segment are narrowly colored pale yellowish. The antennae and legs of Benoitolus siamensis are also pale yellow.

Due to the relatively low Adult size and their urge to climb, a terrarium measuring 20 x 20 x 30 cm or more is suitable. However, care should be taken to ensure that there is enough space for a sufficiently high substrate. The substrate height for this species should not be less than 6 cm! The substrate serves as both habitat and food for the animals and is also visited by this species from time to time to moult. However, Benoitolus siamensis often simply sheds its skin on the surface.

Daytime temperatures of 25-28 °C have proven to be suitable for keeping this species. The animals are diurnal and therefore very interesting for anyone who likes to observe their pets. When reaching the temperatures in the terrarium, it is important to always place the heat source from above and never from below! The substrate should always be kept half moist. A humidity of 70-85% is closest to the conditions of their natural habitat. The substrate can also be covered with leaves, pieces of bark or moss. This helps to protect it from drying out.

Benoitolus siamensis can always be found near the beach in Thailand. There they live on trees and like to stay in branch forks filled with humus and leaves. This is also where they prefer to lay their eggs and the offspring spend their first days in this habitat. You can simulate such places in the terrarium and observe whether the animals accept them.

This species is also suitable for beginners as it is very active and can survive longer, drier periods unscathed. A community tank with Benoitolus siamensis and the Cubaris species, which also originate from Thailand, is ideal.