Sub Family: Tropidoderinae

Foodplant in the wild: Hypericum lanceolatum.

Foodplant in captivity: mostly Eucalyptus spp, along with Hypericum spp and Rhododendron.  Note that the nymphs have problems nibbling on tough Rhododendron leaves, and so should not be fed only this foodplant.

Humidity requirements: I keep this species in a glass tank (~h30cm x w15cm x d15cm) which has a mesh-covered front door.  R. scabrosus adults seem to like to drink water, so I mist the leaves daily.  

Comment: A sexually dimorphic, apterous species. Along with Eurycnema goliath, this is one my favourite species of phasmid.
Adult females (~ 8-9 cm) are a stunning 'fluorescent' green colour, with orange/ brown tubercles on the dorsal side of the thorax and upper abdomen.  The smaller (~ 6cm) adult males are less attractive, being a dull light brown colour.  Nymphs are generally yellow-green coloured, and have a brown-red stripe running down the length of their body.

Defence tactics: Primarily camouflage.  If threatened, this species will run fast, and may deliberately fall to the ground when handled.