Sub Family: Phasmatinae

Foodplant in captivity:  Bramble.

Comment:  This species is currently the bane of my life.  I have a batch of ova that are hatching out on a regular basis, which is pleasing.  However, the fatality rate of my nymphs is frighteningly high - as many as 50% are dying before reaching the 2nd instar.  I am rearing the nymphs in a plastic tank, which has a plastic grid as the lid.  On the floor I have placed a layer of damp tissue paper, and I try to spray a fine mist over the leaves at once or twice a day.

I really don't know why so many of the nymphs are dying.  I know that other people successfully rear Pharnacia cantori on bramble, so I don't think the foodplant is the problem.  I notice that I get more deaths if I am unable to spray them for a couple of days, or if the temperature of my room drops to below 17°C.  Therefore I am assuming that the nymphs are simply very sensitive to any fluctuations in temperature and humidity.  Unfortunately it is not always easy to maintain consistency in these areas.