Calvisia kneubuehleri

Calvisia kneubuehleri – color highlight among the stick insects

Calvisia kneubuehleri is a particularly conspicuous stick insectwhich differs significantly from many other phasmids. While many species are perfectly camouflaged and usually appear brown or green, this species impresses with its intense red body and the colored thorax areawhich is blue and yellow can shimmer. This makes the animal look almost like a small work of art and immediately attracts everyone’s attention in the terrarium.

The animals reach a length of about 7 cm and have a very slender, rod-shaped body. At the same time, the long legs and antennae are typical of many stick insects. Despite the striking colors, the body structure remains perfectly adapted to life between branches and flowers.

Suitable for keeping is a Terrarium from about 30 × 30 × 30 cm. Above all, it is important to provide sufficient height so that the animals can moult easily. During moulting, stick insects hang freely downwards, which is why there should be enough space. At the same time, some Branches and twigs in the terrarium for ideal climbing opportunities.

They are best kept at temperatures between 20 and 24 °C. At the same time, a Humidity of around 60-80 % be present. It is therefore advisable to lightly spray the terrarium regularly. This keeps the climate stable and the animals can shed their skin without any problems.

Suitable forage plants include Cherry laurel, salal and weeping cherry (Prunus padus). These plants are very well accepted and are easy to offer in the terrarium. Especially with young animals, it makes sense to Cut the leaves slightlyso that the nymphs can eat the plant tissue more easily.

The furnishings can be designed very naturally overall. Twigs, leaves and a simple layer of soil are enough to make the animals feel at home. At the same time, the species can be observed very well due to its calm behavior.

Due to their unusual coloringtheir elegant physique and their comparatively simple posture is Calvisia kneubuehleri a particularly exciting stick insect species for terrarium keepers. It combines exotic colors with the fascinating behavior of phasmids and quickly becomes a highlight in the terrarium.