Phyllium giganteum “Gold”

Golden color form – Rare and impressive

Phyllium giganteum “Gold” is one of the most impressive changing leaves in terraristics. The animals originally come from Malaysia and are among the largest known Phyllium species.

Particularly fascinating is the intense golden-yellow to yellow-green coloringwhich gave this rare color form its name. Depending on the light, age and husbandry, the animals can appear golden to varying degrees, giving each animal its own character.

The coveted gold coloration can be seen in Phyllium giganteum “Gold” not already in the juvenile stage. Only with the final molt to the adult animal does the intense yellowish to golden coloration develop in some of the animals.

Experience shows that about 30 % of the animals This particularly strong gold coloration is seen in some animals, while others tend to remain yellow-green. This means that every development remains exciting, as the final coloration only becomes apparent when they molt into adulthood.

The golden form is particularly sought after by keepers, as it is much rarer than classic green animals.

Appearance and camouflage

Like all changing leaves Phyllium giganteum “Gold” a perfect leaf camouflage. The females reach a size of up to 11 cm and therefore look particularly imposing.

The animals have:

• broad leaf legs
• Flat body shapes
• natural leaf veins
• partially brown “wilted” leaf edges

As a result, they look amazingly similar to real leaves and blend in almost completely with their surroundings.

Behavior and activity

The animals are mainly nocturnal and usually sit quietly between branches or food plants during the day. At night, they begin to wander slowly through the terrarium and prefer to feed on fresh leaves.

It is precisely this calm behavior that makes the species particularly relaxing to observe.

Newly hatched nymphs, on the other hand, are much more active and react more sensitively to errors in climate or humidity.

Terrarium size and set-up

Suitable for keeping is a high, well-ventilated terrariumas the animals need plenty of space to moult.

For smaller groups, the Insektenliebe Phasmid Complete Setas it already offers good ventilation and a practical feeding solution.

For adult animals or larger groups we recommend a Repto Terra Sky Terrariumas it offers sufficient height and optimal air circulation at the same time.

The furnishings should be as natural as possible. This is particularly important:

• Stable climbing branches
• leafy blackberry branches
• free moulting areas
• dry branches for camouflage

Many keepers deliberately use kitchen rollas it is hygienic and eggs are particularly easy to recognize. Alternatively, you can also use Forest humus for a more natural setup.

Climate and care

Phyllium giganteum “Gold” requires a stable tropical climate:

• Daytime temperature: 20-28 °C
• at night: 20-22 °C
• Humidity: 70-80 %

The terrarium should be lightly sprayed regularly, but direct spraying of the animals should be avoided.

With a GLORIA fine sprayer you can distribute the moisture particularly finely and evenly.

Feeding

The animals prefer to eat:

• Blackberry leaves
• Oak
• Rose
• Raspberry

It is best to place the food branches in water so that they stay fresh for a long time. The cricket box with X-slot from the complete phasmid setas the twigs are stable and the animals do not get into the water.

Young animals in particular accept fresh and juicy leaves especially well.

Offspring

The species reproduces predominantly parthenogeneticallyi.e. without males. This makes breeding much easier than with many other phasmids.

The females simply drop their eggs on the ground. Depending on the temperature, the young hatch after about 6-8 months.

Important points on posture

• High humidity required
• Plenty of space for skinning
• Well ventilated terrarium important
• Calm and peaceful animals
• Particularly impressive gold coloration

Suitable accessories for your setup

We recommend the following combination for successful keeping:

• Insektenliebe phasmid complete set – ideal for smaller groups
• Repto Terra Sky Terrarium – perfect height and ventilation
• GLORIA fine sprayer – for controlled humidity
• Spiderwood / branches – important climbing structure
• Forest humus – natural substrate

This combination ensures a stable climate and makes it much easier to keep.

Conclusion

Phyllium giganteum “Gold” is one of the most beautiful and most impressive of all the changing leaves. The rare golden coloration, the enormous size and the calm behavior make these animals a real highlight in every terrarium.

Those who create stable conditions will be rewarded with an extraordinary species of phasmid that immediately attracts everyone’s attention.