Sub Family: Pseudophasmatinae

Foodplant in captivity: privet (Ligustrum vulgare)

Humidity requirements: I keep this species in a plastic tank that has a ventilated lid.  A. cyllarus appear to like fairly humid conditions, though I have been told that the Pseudophasmatinae will suffer from too high a humidity level.  I therefore mist the tank just once or twice a week, which provides adequate humidity to enable the nymphs to moult successfully.

Comment: A relatively small, winged species (note: I have never actually seen A. cyllarus fly).  Both male and female are beige-coloured, with long striped antennae.  Males spend most of their life on the back of a female, though not always mating; presumably this is to advertise his ownership of the mate.  This species is particularly crepuscular in nature, tending to hide in dark corners and underneath twigs during the daytime, frequently piled high on top of one another.  I personally include a piece of rolled-up corrugated cardboard in their tank in which most choose to hide; cleaning-out is then made easier since lifting out the cardboard takes all of the insects with it.

Defence tactics: Camouflage; running fast; hiding under twigs; occasionally displaying their wings to ward off predators.
Like a lot of the Pseudophasmatinae, this species is a 'sprayer' - it emits a fine mist of offensive chemical when 'attacked'.  Consequently the species should be handled minimally, should be kept away from the face, and hands should be washed after use.  I do not know the identity of the chemical (and I do chemistry for a living!), but I can tell you that, upon breathing it in, it has the same effect as would a cloud of pepper or chilli powder!  Not to be handled by children or asthmatics.