The Phasmid Study Group

MARCH 2006 NEWSLETTER No 105 The Livestock Table at the ISSN 0268-3806 PSG AGM & Winter Meeting

3

March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.1 THE COLOUR VAQEl

Extatasoma tiaratum ova, Linda Bowers, Stick Talk. Ctenomorpha chronus nymph, Kim Sinclair, Stick Talk.

Heteropteryx dilatata male, Justin Pasman. Stick Talk

Phyllium siccifolium large female nymph, about two molts from adulthood Chris Pull Stick Talk.

P.acanthonotum male mating with a magna hatchling, P.rufipes. Chris Pull Stick Talk First place in the Livestock section Stick Talk. was given to Natalie Ford for her perfect pair of beautifully marked muelleri. Photo Cameron.

E calcarata and E horrida, E.goliath, This shows the wings before they have Francisco Torres, Stick Talk expanded, Chris Pull, Stick Talk.

March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.2 Editorial

Welcome to the March PSG Newsletter.

New Printers. Well, here it is - the newly printed Newsletter. We have been very lucky in getting our printing done in the past by the Open University, and then by Paul Brock's school. Not only did this save the PSG lots of money, but it was only possible with the sterling efforts of David Robinson, and more recently Paul Brock. In particular Paul not only kept all our membership details up to date and sorted out all the PSG finances, he also printed, collated, and sent out all the PSG Newsletters and Phasmid Studies - what a star. Anyway, Matthew runs a commercial printers that also prints other notable Newsletters. He has been very helpful with his advice on the different options, and I look forward to working with him from now on. As the Newsletter is now printed on A3 paper (the most cost-effect option), it means it has to be printed in multiples of 4 (eg 20, 24, or 28 pages); this was a bit of a challenge for me. As was the fact that one A3 sheet will be printed in colour, ie which pages do I choose to put in colour? I thought pages 1 and 2, plus the last two pages. So I gave it my best shot, and I hope you enjoy a good read.

Articles and Photographs. I am as always much indebted to all contributors. In particular Paul Brock, Chris Pull, and Cameron; whose regular contributions are very welcome. Please keep the contributions coming in especially articles and photos. I had to use a lot of Stick Talk photos again, as I had few sent to me for use in the Newsletter. Stick Talk photos are plentiful, of a high standard, and most are by PSG members. If you want to know more about Stick Talk, see page 6.

Phasmid Studies. This will now be available on the PSG website but, unlike the Newsletter, members will not automatically be sent a free, printed copy by post - unless they specifically ask for it. Full details are on page 17, please ensure you read this page.

Competition. There is a competition with a difference on page 15. It is based on the weight of a Jungle Nymph, and

there will be a weigh-in at the PSG Summer Meeting on 8th July 2006. The winner could end up in the Guinness Book of Records! If you keep Jungle Nymphs (Heteropteryx dilatata) please take part in the competition and help to make it a success.

Cockroaches. I get lots of queries from members asking if there is a Cockroach Culture Group. The simple answer was that I did not know. However, like many PSG members, I do keep a selection of these interesting creatures. Well now you can read all about it in the new Cockroach Studies newsletter. Full details of the newly re-formed Cockroach Culture Group, and how to obtain a free, colour copy of the new Cockroach Studies newsletter, are on page 15.

PSG AGM & Winter Meeting. Finally, I believe we all had a great time at the PSG AGM and Wnter Meeting. I know I did. As usual, the day was just not long enough; there was so much to do and see and people to meet. I would recommend that all PSG members attend a PSG meeting at least once in their lifetime; apart from the enjoyment you would have, we would all very much like to meet you. Unfortunately, not everyone can attend; therefore, I have done an article on the day, and included pictures of the day's events - see the front cover and page 22 - which hopefully will give you a flavour of that happy day. Also, Cameron has reported on the day's competition, with pictures, see page 19.

Regards to all, Mike Smith

| INDE X

Page Content Paqe Content

2 The Colour Page 15 Resurrection of the Cockroach Culture Group 3 Editorial 15 Message from the new PSG Joint Secretaries 4 Diary Dates/Request for Articles/Password 16 PSG Committee 5 Evolution of the - a Book Review 16 PSG Membership Application 2006 6 Stick Talk 16 Wants & Exchanges 8 In-Print Books on Stick & Leaf Insects 17 Phasmid Studies Application Form 10 Eco-Friendly Mining Company in Philippines 18 PSG Merchandise 11 Use of "Map Vents" in Cage Building 19 Results of the January 2006 Competition 11 Contributions for the Newsletter 20 Latest on Phasmids 12 Pseudophasma rufipes 21 New Additions to the Culture List 14 Notes on the Phasmid File 21 Signs to Look Out For when a Stick Moults 15 Jungle Nymph Weigh-in! 22 PSG AGM & Winter Meeting 15 Resurrection of the Cockroach Culture Group 24 Non-selling of PSG Phasmids - PSG Policy Notice

March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.3 Diary Dates

The London Insect Show Sunday, 12th March 2006, Syon Park, Middlesex, London.

Midlands Spring Entomological Fair (formerly Kettering Show) 10.30 am, Sunday, 2nd April 2006; Kettering Leisure Village, Kettering, Northants. (Contact Jack Harris, 01455 444792).

AES North Show Saturday, 8* April, 2006, York Racecourse, York. (Contact: [email protected]).

Phasma Meeting Sunday, 23rd April 2006,in Wolvertem-Meise, Belgium. Includes a talk from Oskar Conle and Frank Hennemann about their "Expidition to Peru" (English spoken), and an exhibition by Joachim Bresseel about the Pseudophasma species. (Contact:: kristien.rahaeviajskynet.be ).

ELG Livestock Show (Formerly Spring Fair) Sunday, 14th May, 2006, Pattishall Village Hall, Pattishall, Nr Towcester, Northants. (Contact: Paul Batty, 01909 565564).

BIS Show Sunday, 21st May 2006, 1 lam, Woodgreen High School, Wednesbury, West Midlands, (nr J9 of M6). (Contact Ray Hale, 01323 489047).

Newark Insect Show Sunday, 18th June, 2006, Balderton Leisure Centre, Newark-on-Trent. (Conyact: Paul Holt, 01636 674723 or 07901 577251).

PSG Summer Meeting Saturday, 8th July 2006 - 11.30 am, Palaeontology Demonstration Room, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London. (More details, and agenda, in the June PSG Newsletter).

AES Exhibition

Saturday, 7lh October, 2006, 1 lam. Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines Road, Kempton Park, Sunbury-on Thames, Middlesex. (Contact: AES, PO Box 8774, London, SW7; E-mail: wa\neia>theaes.org).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON DIARY DATES: Please check with the organisers that the event is still on, & at times shown, before setting out - the PSG cannot be responsible for a wasted journey. (NB I will now list only those shows I have details on, but please still check).

If you attend these or other shows, please send in a review for the Newsletter.

If you are aware of any additional shows, exhibitions, fairs, etc, however big or small, where stick insects are likely to be present, wherever the show may be, please pass the details on to the Editor.

The Phasmid Study Group is invited to exhibit at many shows. If you would like to help run our stand, please contact the member named, or Paul Jennings, our Exhibitions and Meeting Officer: 89 Brackcnsdale Avenue, Derby, DE22 4AF, Tel: 01332 343477.

REQUEST FOR ARTICLES. ETC. FOR THE PSG NEWSLETTER Please send me your articles, reviews on shows and meetings, wants & exchanges, drawings, photos, phasmid problems, answers to problems, crosswords, quizzes, puzzles, web site details, ideas or comments on the Newsletters, etc, etc. My details are in each Newsletter. Many thanks, Editor.

Members' Area of PSG WEBSITE (www.stickinsect.org.uk):

The following User Name and Password give access to the Members' Only area of the PSG Website. Among other privileges it allows the viewing, and downloading of this PSG Newsletter (and Phasmid Studies when available) in full colour.

(Case sensitive) USER NAME: PSGmembers Password: Sabah

March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.4 EVOLUTION OF THE INSECTS - A BOOK REVIEW by Cameron Die Konigin

Insects have been around for approximately 400 million years, a period of time that is almost incomprehensible to most people, yet this publication's purpose is take this timescale and summarise into one book. Considering that this is a one volume piece of work, the authors seems to have managed this monumental task rather well, getting the whole lot into 700 large pages.

One of the most noticeable features of the book is the large number of pictures. Virtually every page L.VUIUI Kill has at least one, if not two, that really do complement the text. Not only are they high in number but of the also they are also high in quality and vary in format from diagrams and line drawings, to colour photographs and images from a scanning electron microscope. There are many exceptional photographs throughout and are either of existing species or are of superbly preserved fossils, particularly in amber. Although there are many that are worthy of comment, one striking one is of the human louse on page 271. Not all the photographs were correctly labelled though. The section on Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets etc) has two photographs labelled as katydids but are clearly species of phasmid.

The first few chapters the have been pulled together to build up the reader's knowledge before the main part and these first few focus on a broad range of subjects that includes:

- The placement of insects into the big scheme. - How insect fossils are formed through the various processes - The key entomologists who have worked in this field - The structure of insects and how insects have evolved, including a section on flight (there is the interesting concept of the six-winged insects!)

The remaining chapters are clearly laid out into the major groups, with each one subdivided into the smaller taxonomic groups and all of this is supported with the pictures, as already mentioned. As you read through, it soon becomes apparent that there is so much more to discover about insect evolution.

The text is, in most cases straightforward, if allowances are made for the American English and its method of spelling. Also, time needs to be put aside for the use of a dictionary because of some of the more complex terms used. Understandably, some of these terms are entomological so the glossary does help with most but not all. There are some non-entomological complex terms used when much simpler words, with the same meaning could have been used instead. Finally, there are parts of the text that that are not straightforward to read for the novice but have been written with the serious enthusiast in mind.

The section on Phasmids is short compared to others and this reflects the number of species in comparison to some of the other groups (such as Coleoptera) and it includes a paragraph on the recent principle of re-evolution (highlighted in 'Life's Lost & Found', PSG newsletter 94, March 2003). The labelling of the stick insects within the section isn't accurate as Eurycnema osiris is labelled with an old synonym, E. cercata.

The final chapter of the book is short outlines the insect species that have become extinct, not through natural causes but through human activity, such as the St Helena Giant Earwig. No mention is made of the Lord Howe Island stick insect (Dryococelus australis), which is one of the better known insect extinctions (and of course subsequent re-discoveries, see PSG newsletter 102, June 2005). This last chapter is followed by an extensive, page list of references and then the exceedingly useful glossary.

In summary the book makes you realise how much of the planet's life is composed of insects, not just by the sheer variety but also by the sheer mass. The book, for its size, it is well priced; there are many comparable, smaller books that cost a considerable amount more.

References - This write up appeared in BBC Wildlife magazine, July 2005

"Chronicles for the first time the complete evolutionary history of insects: their living diversity, relationships and 400 million years of fossils. Whereas other volumes have focused on either living species or fossils, this is the first comprehensive synthesis of all aspects of insect evolution. The book is illustrated with 955 photo and electron micrographs, drawings, diagrams, and field photos, many in full colour and virtually all of them original. "

Book details: Evolution of the Insects by David Grimaldi and Michael Engel. Cambridge University Press 2005. Hardcover - £45.00 (approx. €66), ISBN: 0521821495.

Suggested suppliers: Pemberley Natural History Books NHBS cUaM»icuSuWiiCi9. 18 Bathurst Walk, 2-3 Wills Road, Iver, Buckinghamshire, Totnes, Devon, SL0 9AZ, TQ9 5XN, U.K. U.K.

Tel.: +44 (0)1753 631114 Tel: +44 (°)1803 865913 www.pembooks.demon.co.uk/ www.nhbs.com/

March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.5 The Stick Talk list is totally independent of the PSG, though many Stick Talk list members are also members of the PSG. If you want to join the list, e-mail: zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA adroinigjstiGkiist.eom It's totally free of charge; and if you do not like it, just send an e-mail asking to be taken off the list. It is also moderated by hard- working moderators, so it's secure, safe from abusive language, and there will be no spam. As a Stick Talk list member, you will receive one e-mail most days. Typical issues raised are in the following short extracts - enjoy. (Some typical photos from Stick Talk often appear on The Colour Page). Stick Talk is e-mailed to around 270 subscribers in over 25 countries worldwide. By Mike Smith INDIAN OVA My daughter had a great computer microscope for Christmas and she wanted me to share these fabulous pictures of Indian stick insect eggs with you all. We think the top of the egg looks like a large smooth doughnut!:-) Bethan (S.Wales, UK) PLASTIC BOXES I am the provider of those plastic boxes you spoke of. They come from a local sweet shop that have kept their empty boxes for years for me. That particular size is one of the best but unfortunately I do not get many of them. You are quite right, they are ideal for many species as well as raising nymphs. I suggest you locate any sweet shops and see if they can give you any of their discarded boxes. I usually visit mine once a week. Cameron. BABY CHRONUS Thought I would send a photo of one of my baby Ctenomorpha chronus which are all doing very well now and have stopped escaping which has cut down on the time it was taking me to care for them each day. Interestingly, I ran out of and couldn't go out to get some so I ran down the street to the tree there and snipped a few branches off, not being sure if the babies would like it, but they were quite happy to switch to oak over dry eucalyptus. I guess it was softer for them to bite at their young age. They have eucalyptus again now and seem to be happy with either. Kim Sinclair (Australia). PSG AGM COMMENT EXPLAINED I am so glad that you checked out what looks like when viewed from the rear. I didn't think for one minute that anyone would think I was crazy, but now I look back on it I suppose it must have appeared that way. Even better than Pylaemenes is Orestes. When viewed from the rear and at a slight angle, this species resembles a crocodile, with eyes, snout and all. I never originally noticed this but someone else on this list did; I dare not mention who because they were embarrassed when they first told me! Cameron (UK). [Who told you Cam; and the likeness to a crocodile is truly amazing. Editor]. EXTATASOMA TIARATUM Here's a PEAT SUBSTRATE. Peat can be sterilised in a microwave oven in a plastic tray photo I took of some Extatasoma tiaratum or unsealed polythene bag, make sure the peat is damp first. If the cages are ova! Enjoy! Linda Bowers. closed they may remain sciara fly free, but my guess is that they will find a way in eventually. They can smell peat and don't need a very big hole to get in. I haven't used horticultural vermiculite but that may be a better substitute, as the flies will not be able to feed on it, although they will be able to feed on phasmid frass. Check that the vermiculite is not chemically treated. Tim Knight.

A JOKE? Q: What do you call a phasmid with the runs? Ans: A frassmid. Sorry. Anna. I'm glad you refined your joke from the version you told me before sending it in to StickTalk...! Maybe Mike Smith will publish it in the PSG Newsletter? Mike Strick. MOULDY KITCHEN TOWELS. To everyone who helped me with my substrate for humid cages questions: I've sussed it! Many of you said to use just plain kitchen roll, but I was finding this was causing the frass to mould, however, I've discovered my error! When I changed the kitchen roll, I would always lightly spray it with water to help it "settle down" and also to provide some extra humidity. But I've found that this was actually my problem - if I don't spray the kitchen towel at all and keep it as dry as possible (only spraying the leaves), I don't get mould (well, hardly any). I didn't realise that just a small amount of moisture on the kitchen towel would make a difference to the mould growth - but it does, so this is something worthwhile to remember! Natalie. [I use heat mats under part of my stick cages, which dries the towel out between spraying - and I get no mould.] CROSS-BREEDING? I've just been going around the cages, estimating how much bramble etc. I'm going to need, and I came across a P.acanthonotum male mating with a P.rufipes. I was surprised as they were actually copulating, not just the male guarding the female. What are the chances of them producing offspring? Also, does this mean that naturally P.rufipes females are naturally sexual in the wild, i.e. to be emitting the hormones indicating the fact she is looking for a male? (By the way, I have no idea if females do this; I'm just assuming that how it works). Cheers, Chris Pull.

March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.6 PARTHENOGENETIC MUSINGS Many of you will have noticed that the males of a species are more fragile and have a shorter life expectancy then the females. Perhaps is a way for the females to continue producing viable ova if they cannot find a mate, (i.e. they were one of the last eggs to hatch, and due to the faster growth rates of the males, there would be none left to mate with) so to help the population they have the ability to produce viable ova. However, and for example, let's take Carausius morosus let's say, males were to one year all die out because of higher temperatures, (they would dehydrate quicker than females) and then the females may have used their 'built-in' backup system that they would normally use if they could not find a male mate. However, because there are no males at all, all the females start producing parthenogenetic ova - resulting in all females. Thus, when the eggs hatch, the results will be all females and a parthenogenetic race is born. Also, I noticed real males appear in parthenogenetic cultures every now and again, and I thought this might be a natural system to restore a male/female race, as the male would mate with the females. That may be why parthenogenetic females still produce the pheromones to attract a mate, even though they apparently don't need one. Female E. tiaratum will produce parthenogenetically if they cannot find male mates, although the species is sexual. This is a prime example of using parthenogenesis as a back-up if no males are present, and I believe the majority of female phasmids have this ability, so it looks as though it may be a plan B if males cannot be found. All it would take is for all, or the majority of the males to die out in a species and it would have the ability to become a single-sex species to save the species as a whole, and later down the line, a male may be produced to restore it as a bi-sexual species. It would be interesting to others views on this subject. Photo of part of my room - and a photo of my dog, Storm! Chris Pull. [Are not parthenogenetic males sterile?]

PEPPERMINT STICK. Members might be interested in the attached picture of a Stick Insect (Megacrania batesi) I took a couple of weeks ago at Cape Tribulation in Queensland. It looked almost plastic in appearance. My web search reveals that apparently they only occur at Cape Tribulation, Innifail and Mission Beach. It is on its food plant which is Pandanus. It gets its name from its defence mechanism, which consists of spraying predators with an irritating fluid that smells like peppermint. Paul Lynch (UK). [1 went to Cape Tribulation last year, but sadly saw no sticks there. 1 believe it was called Cape Tribulation by Captain Cook, because he went into this bay to repair his ships after an unhappy encounter with the Great Barrier Reef.]

THICK GLOVES I have a pair of thick leather gloves that my dad has had for years. I use them for bramble and handling these types !! They really [save you from] the [Giant] Spiny, standing on their front legs waving the back ones about trying to grasp you. They're surprisingly strong as well!! Noticed that E.T.'s do it as well, but to a far lesser extent. A real aggressive species in my opinion the giant spiny. These have done me more injury than any of my 100 tarantulas. Funny in some books they're marked up as a good beginners' species though !! I'm sure I've seen a photo somewhere of a 4 year old kid with one on her arm !! CRAZY !! They also need a [high level] of humidity, and a water dish etc.). That doesn't really lend to making a good beginners' species either. Gypsy

PHARNACIA. From 60 ova Phamacia sp, only 13 hatched, know other breeders with the same problems... Some time ago this species was labelled as "very easy"... Gentle Tom.

WHICH LAMPONIUS? At the moment i have Lamponius guerini adults and ova, but just Lamponius portoricensis ova only, the latter of which I obtained at the last PSG meeting. I wondered how do you tell the difference when they are adults and nymphs? Although the ova are quite different in size to distinguish when i have viewed the few images of Lamponius portoricensis adults on the internet, they are barely distinguishable from Lamponius guerini especially with the variation in patterns, shades and sizes within both species. Now that a couple of PSG/Sticktalk members have contributed their observations of some stick insects cryptic behindsl can now hopefully share my own observations without being laughed off Sticktalk lol! The best subject is an adult female (well it would be a female) Lamponius guerini from behind but slightly above, so the shape and pattern can be fully appreciated. If you follow up from the little shute or ovipositer I think that's what it is called without an anatomical reference at hand, then before you come to the first flare or widening of the abdomen there is on top a pair of black spots which look like eyes, the flare looks like the widening of a head/neck not unlike a cobra or similar creature that could change your social diary permanently. Now follow the abdomen back to the ovipositor which in my mind completes the image of in miniature of a serpent unfurling its tongue. I can only assume it is another really clever phasmid predator mimic? Such as E.goliath eye spots, but in my opinion more sophisticated especially as it is purely visual. It would be nice if any other Lampon/us/phasmid keepers have made similar observations and would appreciate some feedback on this as I am convinced Lamponius g. has this pattern not only to break up its visual shape, but also as a backup predator mimic if the former fails. Best Wishes, Alan. CROSS BREED? Has anyone kept Dares validispinus and Epidares nolimetangere in the same cage? Is it safe to do so or will they cross-breed? Many thanks Natalie.

HUMIDITY, The ExoTerra vivaria are nice to look at and functional. If keeping species requiring high humidity, it is worthwhile to place OHP acetates on top of the mesh lid. The transparencies work well and are barely noticeable. Moira, Scotland.

March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.7 IN-PRINT BOOKS ON STICK & LEAF INSECTS by Paul Brock

Despite distractions such as the internet, books are still very popular, and to keep members up to date, I give below a list of selected books as circulated to new PSG members (updated January 2006); who knows, you may have some Christmas money to spend. Please note new entries for Arment 2006, Otte & Brock 2005, and Seow-Choen 2005 - at present you can obtain Otte & Brock at a special introductory price, but not for long! Seow-Choen's is an extremely colourful book.

I am often asked to recommend books on phasmids - the following selected list of in-print books may help you to decide whether you wish to purchase books, or request them from a library. The number of publications available may surprise you and I have omitted a number of basic children's books (mainly US publishers) and some others - details can be found on Amazon websites. Some books may be ordered direct from the publisher (cheapest method), such as AES titles; or from bookshops, which can supply many in-print books. Prices vary for some book titles, depending where you obtain them. Foreign titles are usually much more expensive, as they have to be imported; they may also be difficult to obtain, unless you visit the country concerned. Natural history booksellers supply books to customers' worldwide - I recommend Pemberley Books, PO Box 2081, Iver, SL0 9YJ, UK (Tel. 01753 631114) - www.pembooks.demon.co.uk. It may be possible to obtain discounts when ordering via the Internet, such as through Amazon.co.uk (or Amazon international sites). [Some books can also be obtained from PSG meetings, usually at reduced rates - editor.]

Alderton, D. 2002. How to care for your Stick Insect. Brock, P.D. 2003. Rearing Kingdom Books, Waterlooville, £1.95 (ISBN 185279170- and Studying Stick and Leaf 5). Well illustrated with colour photographs, this budget Insects. AES, £8.50 incl. p&p guide will fully meet beginner's requirements, at a UK, £9.35 by surface mail remarkably low price. 34 pages, paperback A5. (ISBN 0 900054 68 9). (Replaced 1997, 1999 version 'Your First Stick Insect'). Available direct from AES Publications, 1 Tower Hill, Arment, C. [Ed.] 2006. Stick Insects of the Continental Brentwood, Essex CM 14 4TA. United States and Canada: species and early studies. A low cost guide for the Coachwhip Publications. £7.50 on Amazon UK (ISBN beginner or more experienced 1930585233). For enthusiasts searching for stick insects rearer, with detailed notes on in North America. Includes reprints of classic 22 species widely bred in entomological studies. 204 pages, paperback. captivity and brief notes on many other species. 80+ Bauduin, C. & A. 2000. L'Elevage des Phasmes. pages with 29 figures, 8 Philippe Gerard Editions, Paris. Check latest price in colour and 14 black and white Euros (ISBN 2-912521-21-1). A breeder's guide, in plates. Paperback A5. French, well illustrated with reasonable colour photographs, showing a selection of culture species. 82 Brock, P.D. 1998. Catalogue of type specimens of Stick- pages, paperback A5. and Leaf-insects in the Naturhistorisches Museum Wien (Insecta: Phasmida). Kataloge der wissenschaftlichen- Baxter, R.N. 2002. Rearing Stick and Leaf Insects. Sammlungen des Naturhistorischen Museums in Wien, check Chudleigh Publishing, Essex. £22 (ISBN 0951921932). A current price (ISBN 3-900275-67-X). Available from useful guide for the enthusiast with many colour Naturhistorisches Museum Wien, Schriftentausch, Burgring 7 photographs of eggs and adults. 103 pages, hardback. / P.O.Box 417, A-1014 Vienna. Austria. A detailed listing of this important collection, with notes on Brunner von Bragg, P.E. 2001. Phasmids of . Natural History Wattenwyl and Redtenbacher. 72 pages, paperback A5. Publications (Borneo), Kota Kinabalu. £105 (ISBN 9838120278) (much cheaper in ). Part of the fauna of this region is covered in detail, the remainder Brock, P.D. 1999. The Amazing World of Stick and Leaf- often just listed. A number of new species are described. Insects. AES, £15.20 incl. p&p UK, £16.72 by surface mail 772 pages, hardback, very heavy. Rather expensive for a worldwide, or £18.76 by airmail outside Europe (ISBN 0 book with only 5 colour plates; one for the specialist or 900054 63 8). Available from AES Publications, 1 Tower Hill, museum reference library. Brentwood, Essex CM 14 4TA. A comprehensive guide to everything you want to know about stick and leaf-insects, Brock, P. 1991. Stick Insects of Britain, Europe and suitable for beginners and ideal for specialists. Covers a wide the Mediterranean. Fitzgerald Publishing, £9 incl. p&p range of subjects including fascinating facts, life history and UK, £10 overseas (ISBN 0951093983). Available from development, collecting, breeding, preserving, taxonomic Fitzgerald Publishing, P.O.Box 804, London SE13 5JF. A studies, notes on species from around the world and fossils. comprehensive, well illustrated guide for the collector, or 182 pages with numerous figures/black and white plates + 40 anyone looking for these insects. 50 pages, with one pages of colour plates. Hardback A5. colour plate, hardback, spiral bound.

March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.8 Brock, P.D. 1999. Stick and Leaf Insects of Peninsular Okada, M. 1999. Nanafushi-No-Subete (All About Malaysia and . Malaysian Nature Society, Kuala Japanese Stick-Insects). Tonbo-Shuppan Publishing, Lumpur. 40 Malaysian Ringgets + p&p. Available from the Osaka, 1,800 Japanese Yen + tax (ISBN 4-88716-114-X) M.N.S., P.O.Box 10750, 50724 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, or (A few copies available from Paul D. Brock, 'Papillon', 40 from some major book sellers (currently available from Thorndike Road, Slough SL2 1SR for £14 + postage). A P.D.Brock, "Papillon", 40 Thorndike Road, Slough SL2 1SR useful guide to 18 species, profusely illustrated in colour for £12 incl. p&p U.K., £13 Europe or by surface mail world- and black-and-white; text in Japanese. 56 pages, card wide, or £16 by air mail). (ISBN 983-9681-16-8). A cover. comprehensive text with keys to genera/species and numerous figures. This book is suitable for beginners, Otte, D. & Brock, P. D. 2005. Phasmida Species File: taxonomists, collectors and rearers. Paperback, 250mm x Catalog of stick and leaf insects of the world. Second 185mm - attractive colour cover of Heteropteryx dilatata; 222 Edition. The Insect Diversity Association and the Academy pages, including 10 pages of colour plates. of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia. from www.cafepress.com/tetrix introductory (discount) price Brock, P.D. 2000. A Complete Stick and Leaf Insects US$50, but list price likely to soon be US$75(ISBN Guide to Breeding Stick and Leaf- 1929014082) A synonymic catalog of species, essential for Insects. TFH Kingdom, Havant, researchers. 414 pages, spiral bound [replaces a CD £12.95 (ISBN 1-85279-124-1). This issued in 2003 (First Edition)] book has comprehensive notes on 11 [Later in 2006, the website http://phasmida.orthoptera.org commonly reared species, numerous (author: Paul Brock) will be reactivated and include colour photographs of these and pictures of taxa, full references and updates which were other species. Suitable for the received too late to be included in Otte & Brock 2005. Ideal beginner or more experienced rearer. to refer to alongside this book.] 64 pages, hardback. Schulten, D. 1995. Wandelnde Blatter, Stab-und CLEAPSS. 2002. Stick Insects. CLEAPPS School Science Gespenstschrecken. Entomologische Mitteilungen aus Service. Basic guide, circulated free to schools, 35 page dem Lobbecke-Museum + Aquazoo, Dusseldorf, DM40. booklet. Illustrated by way of line drawings. Useful suggestions Available from Lobbecke-Museum + Aquazoo, 40200 of 'Educational uses of stick insects'. Dusseldorf, Germany. A useful breeder's guide, in German. 132 pages (including numerous figures) + 8 Grosser, D. 2001. Wandelnde Blatter. Ein Katalog aller colour plates. Paperback A5. bisher beschriebenen Phyllinae-Arten und deren Eier mit Seiler, O, Bradler, S. and R. Koch. 2000. Phasmiden. drei Neubeschrebungen. Edition Chimair, Frankfurt. Price 24 Pflege und Zucht von Gespenstschrecken, Stabschrecken Euros (ISBN 3-930612-46-1). A colourful, informative guide to und Wandelnden Blattern im Terrarium. Bede, the fascinating leaf insects; text in German. 119 pages, Ruhmannsfelden. 26.80 Euros (ISBN 3-933646-89-8). A hardback. large, well photographed book in German covering many species cultured in Europe. Good coverage of eggs also. Huang, Y.S. 2002. Phasmids in Taiwan. Bigtree Culture 143 pages, A4. Enterprise Co. - ltd., Taiwan. Price US$13.00 (ISBN 957-8792- 64-6). Impressive colour guide in Chinese. Good coverage of Seow-Choen, F. 1997. A Guide to the Stick & Leaf species, including photographs of foodplants and habitats. A Insects of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre, large introductory section covers rearing and studying Singapore. 5.15 Singapore Dollars (ISBN 981-00-8628-8). phasmids. Supplied with two beautiful phasmid bookmarks. [Rarely offered by European book dealers, but readily 142 pages, paperback, A5. available in . A delightful little pocket book, lavishly illustrated in colour. 160 pages, paperback. Langlois, F., Lelong, P., Rastel, D., Polidori, E. & E. Dorel, Seow-Choen, F. 2000. An Illustrated Guide to the Stick 2000. de Martinique. Asper.. Check price in and Leaf Insects of Peninsular Malaysia and Euros. Available from ASPER, Le Ferradou No. 3, F31570 Ste Singapore. Natural History Publications (Borneo), Kota Foy DAigrefueille, France. Well illustrated, including Kinabalu. 40 US Dollars (ISBN 983-812-029-4). Line undescribed species; text in French. 74 pages + appendices, drawings of nearly all species, including several new paperback. species. Minimal text. 173 pages, hardback. Langlois, F. & Lelong, P. 1998. Phasmatodea de Guadeloupe. Asper; La Guadeloupe Pare National. For price Seow-Choen, F. 2005. A and availability contact P. Lelong, Le Ferradou No. 3, F31570 pocket guide: Phasmids of Ste Foy DAigrefueille, France. Well illustrated with line Peninsular Malaysia and drawings; text in French. 88 pages + appendices, paperback. Singapore. Natural History PHASMIDS of Peninsular Malaysia Publications (Borneo), Kota and Sinjjapore Lipinski, K., Greven, H., Schulten, D. & S. Loser. 1999. Die Kinabalu. 30 Malaysian Struktur der Eihullen von 48 Phasmatodea-Arten aus der Ringgets (ISBN 983-812- Sammlung des Lobbecke-Museum und Aquazoo 109-6). Photographic guide Diisseldorf. The structure of the egg chorion of 48 to most species, foodplant Phasmatodea species from the collection of the Lobbecke- list. An ideal travelling Museum and Aquazoo Diisseldorf. Entomologische companion to anyone Mitteilungen aus dem Lobbecke-Museum + Aquazoo, interested in the colourful Dusseldorf, check price in Euros. Available fromLobbecke- Malayan fauna, with superb Museum + Aquazoo, 40200 Dusseldorf, Germany. A useful photographs. Excellent guide, in German, but with a number of incorrect names. 125 value. 120 pages, pages (including numerous figures), Paperback A5. paperback.

March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.9 ECO-FRIENDLY MINING COMPANY IN THE PHILIPPINES By Benjie Mabanta [This article first appeared in Stick Talk, some of it may be slightly off-subject, but I believe readers could find it interesting. .With Benjie's permission, and with a few changes, I've reproduced it here. I had the good fortune to visit Benjie in the Philippines; he is very enthusiastic about all insects, and especially phasmids. His conservation work with his mining-company employers is typical of his dedication. ] Alas, I have been very busy the past couple of weeks, especially when work resumed right after New Year. Aside from the usual stuff that I do for the office, I was invited to give a lecture on % SAGITTARIUS insects and other to about 20 scholars being funded by the mining company my principals have an interest in. The seminar lasted for one and a half days and included field work to do night as well as day collecting. Among the participants, the Pfo youngest is an 11 year old 1st year high school scholar while the oldest is 50 years old.

Tuesday, 24 January 2006, we started at 1:45 pm with a lecture «R.BEIVJAWZ,MA8A/VTA by yours truly on concepts in and -^-*J*<-C \ mtttng the wMMnar« (classification) leading down to the animal phylum arthropoda and its various classes, orders, and families. In the lecture, a description and the role in the ecosystem of various classes of arthropods were discussed that include insects, arachnids and ,r, jaiwry 34-iS. 2008atBawcamp, myriapods (centipedes and millipedes). Some highlights of the WMiqay, Tahiti, Tamjtuksn, Soufh CVMa&ata lecture include: O M M - ?THi lay of JanuaryzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA lOOtft zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA • vM> C'i'npfctonc* Confer, rampakan, SOUUl COtgttMtO a. Arthropods are the most important animal phylum in the forest ecosystem as most of the vital processes in ecosystems (pollination, decomposition, and control, food chain, etc.) involve these joint-legged . They serve as good l IS BWMAVfSM indicators of the health of a particular ecosystem. b. Of the estimated 9-10 million animal species on earth, about 60%, or 6 million are arthropods. But only about 1 million species have been described (or have a scientific name) so far. Of the arthropods, beetles have the most numerous species since 1 in 4 or 25% of all animals described is a beetle. c. 10% of all animal biomass in the planet are ants and another 10% are termites. Therefore, 20% of all animal biomass are composed of these two social insects. And these do not even include the locusts. Imagine the protein potential.

In no time, because of all my friends at Sticktalk, I have become a resource speaker on insects :-) Thank you to everyone on Sticktalk for sparking my interest in our joint-legged friends!! Of course, I gave them a pretty good talk on culturing phasmids and how I am a proud member of the PSG and Sticktalk :-)

After dinner, the group prepared for night collecting. This involved two methods. One was to set-up a bright light source behind a white cloth in a remote area of the forest. This attracted all sorts of winged insect specimens and all that the participants had to do was to pick insects from the white cloth. The other method we employed was to use flashlights as we searched the undergrowth along forest trails looking for other non-winged species such as phasmids. We retired past 12am but the kids stayed up longer since they were still fascinated by what the lighted white cloth continued to attract.

On the next day, Wednesday, 25 January 2006, we commenced the day collection of insects that involved the use of catching nets and traps. Target species we sought to collect were daytime flying species such as butterflies and dragon flies. We spent half of the day in and around the base camp and the second half along the trail leading to Ta'al falls.

We collected around 500 specimens of various types of arthropods, majority of which belong to the order of moths, butterflies, and beetles. All the specimens were left at the basecamp for identification. We intend to culture/breed those species that have potential and preserve the rest. We also collected a lonchodes specimen (I recognized it as lonchodes due to its bent twig appearance). It was coloured dark chocolate with a pair of tiny spines along each segment of its abdomen. It also had leaf-like extensions along the femur of its mid legs. We caught several other types of phasmids but this one was the best looking of them all.

At the end of the day, we all proceeded to the graduation ceremonies and handing out of the certificates of

March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.10 participation. Prizes were awarded to those who collected the most as well as many different of specimens. I was handed a plaque of appreciation (Wow - how lucky can I get - see picture :-) All professed that they learned a lot and were also happy with the experience we went through. As a gesture of how much interest was brought forth, the group vowed to form a local version of the Amateur Entomologist's Society. The activity was seen as only the beginning of other meaningful endeavours. The initiation to join the society is to undergo both a night and daytime collecting activity that will again be organised in the future tapping other areas. At the end of the day, we all proceeded to the graduation ceremonies and handing out of the certificates of participation. Prizes were awarded to those who collected the most as well as diversified number of specimens. I was handed a plaque of appreciation (Wow - how lucky can I get - see picture :-) All professed that they learned a lot and were also happy with the experience we went through. As a gesture of how much interest was brought forth, the group vowed to form a local version of the Amateur Entomologist's Society. The activity was seen as only the beginning of other meaningful endeavours. The initiation to join the society is to undergo both a night and daytime collecting activity that will again be organised in the future tapping other areas.

This event was conducted to communicate that our mining company espouses biodiversity and will do what it can to preserve the environment and mitigate effects that may be caused by its operations in 2010. As can be noticed, we are already doing a lot of environmental work despite the fact that operations won't start until 3 years time.

I'll just add that our company will donate all collected and preserved specimens to the Notre Dame in Marbel University (NDMU) at Koronadal, South Cotabato, Mindanao, Philippines, where a collection of Mindanao insect specimens already exists. The collection was started by the museum's late curator, Mr. Joshue de los Reyes but was left in bad shape when he died five years ago. Our company envisages to help turn the university's insect museum into a world-class collection of species found in Mindanao and hope that it will be sought after and visited by leading entomologists worldwide considering that hardly any collection on that island (2nd largest land area in our country) was done in the past due to peace and order problems.

USE OF "MAP VENTS" IN CAGE CONTRIBUTIONS FOR BUILDING by Stephen Lee Thomas THE PSG NEWSLETTER

Over a number of years, I have been building or Please send any contributions to the Editor modifying my cages with these plastic vents. As far as anytime (but by 16th May for a place in the June 2006 PSG Newsletter, 1st May to I know, they come in two sizes: large 257mm x 163mm (approx), guarantee a placer- and small 257mm x 238mm (approx). They have integral fly screens on the backs which are good for Mike Smith, 13 Runnacles Street, Silver the insects to hang from. One or more can be placed between the End, Witham, Essex, framework or, if the cage has panels, holes have to be cut CM8 3QN, England, UK. approximately 10mm smaller than the size of the vent. To do this, Tel: 01376 584388. I use a large drill bit to make four holes in order for the jig-saw E-mail: [email protected] blade (or something similar) to be turned easily when sawing the (Max 2MB per e-mail, please). holes. Edges can then be smoothed off, before screwing on the vent(s). I try to use wood that is at least 6mm thick for the screws to bite properly. I find MS Word as an E-mail attachment, or Although the vents can take longer to fit than other means of ventilation, on floppy disk or CD, easiest to cope with. I the advantage is that if one or more becomes damaged, they are easily also prefer that any pictures to be sent are replaced; and being white, they blend in well with a painted cage. inserted into an MS Word document. I can however deal with a wide range of other (Apologies for quality of picture, I had to scan in a drawing - editor). formats - including handwritten (but handwritten articles may be delayed as it takes me much longer to process them). Please do not send me e-mails of over 2 megabytes, instead break it up into separate e-mails, or send by post on a disk.

(Unless the contributor specifically requests otherwise): Discs, and hard copies of photos are not returned to the contributor. Also, all contributions to the Newsletter will be deemed to be submitted for use in the PSG Website (and vice versa), the Belgian-Dutch Phasma for translation, the German Arthropoda for translation, and Lukasz Czok's Polish website for translation (www.cnasrrx).

The editor may make minor changes to contributions where deemed necessary.

March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.11 Pseudophasma rufipeszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA (Redtenbacher, 1906) PSG 85zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA by Chris Pull

Introduction. Pseudophasma rufipes is a beautiful species. I have recently raised my first batch of eggs to adulthood, and I can now truly see how stunning they really are (their mother was damaged in a bad moult). But the main reason I have written this species report is because, being that it comes from Peru, I was fooled into thinking that this species requires high levels of humidity. However, this is not the case and I nearly lost an entire batch of nymphs because of it. So, this article will hopefully stop anybody else making this mistake. This article gives you a full description on the species as a whole, from egg to adult, and it describes my culture conditions for this species.

Classification. Pseudophasma rufipes are from the Pseudophasmatinae, which includes other similar species such as Pseudophasma acanthonotum, and buprestoides. Pseudophasma rufipes was formally known as Paraphasma rufipes. This subfamily is often known as the 'sprayers' as its members are able to spray a toxin to deter would-be predators. So effective is this toxin in some species, i.e. Anisomorpha it can cause temporally blindness.

Distribution. Redtenbacher first described this species from Peru, (deepest, darkest...!) in 1906. Adults. These are spectacular insects! They are one of the Species Description largest Pseudophasma, measuring approx. 7.5cm from head to abdomen. They are a beautiful mottled maroon-brown, with Ova. The ova of Pseudophasma rufipes are not very gold knees and eyes. The patchy-bronze hind-wings extend distinctive. They are small, measuring 2.5-3mm. There is no almost the entire length of the abdomen, with the papery wings capitulum on the top of the egg. There is a sandy brown plate bright crimson. Their fore-wings are shaped into small, three thirds of the way up on one side of the egg. They are of demonic-like, black and gold horns. a slightly squared oval shape, with some ova being slightly elongated compared to others. They are a light, mottled The antennae are incredibly long approx.7.3cm, extending past brown, and have a rough appearance, with small indentations the front legs, and they are decorated with white dashes all the all over. way to the tip. They show no spines whatsoever. When the females are egg-laying, their abdomen can appear quite bulky. Hatchlings. These are a dark mahogany brown, with small yellow dots all over the body, but these are really only noticeable with a magnifier. The front legs and the flanks of the body have small rows of hair running along them, again only really noticeable with a magnifier. The antennae extend past the front legs, and end with a white dash and tipped light brown. The tibia and tarsus are a light brown colour, whilst the femur is the same colour as the body. When you disturb the hatchlings they curl their abdomen over, and run away very fast. They do not settle down and start eating for about a day or two. When they do, you will notice their droppings and tiny circular 'bite' marks in the leaves. They will also appear bulkier than before. I did not intervene in trying to get them to eat; they just seemed to tackle the plants fine by themselves.

Defensive Behaviour is generally the same as the moulted Moulted nymphs. After a couple of weeks the hatchlings will nymph, except of course now they have wings. When moult. As they grow, the small yellow dots become more disturbed the females will first 'flash' their bright wings, to visible, and appear all over the body. They seem to prefer to startle the predator. If this doesn't work, they take to the air. sit with the legs parallel to the body, in the typical Phasmid Surprisingly for their size they are very good flyers, and can fashion, on the undersides of the leaves. When doing this, flutter around for quite a few seconds before landing. The they look very much like small logs. The wing buds will start idea of having to appear as they grow and you can tell when they are almost bright wings is ready to moult into adulthood, as the wing buds will turn used by other crimson, and they will rise slightly off the body. The older they insects eg get, you will notice their 'knees' will turn a golden yellow, grasshoppers, along with the eyes. There will now be white/gold dashes all to confuse the the way along the antennae. When disturbed they no longer predator and curl their tails and try to run away; instead they cling to what trick them into ever it is they are on, sometimes falling to the ground if the losing their prey 'attacker' is persistent enough. They will 'shuffle' (for lack of a item. When better word), sideways along a surface with surprising speed, flying, the making it difficult to pick them up. predator will be

March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.12 chasing the insect as it flies, however, during flight it seems to disappear and the attacker's eyes will automatically follow the line of the insect's flight-path to where you'd presume they should have landed. But in actual fact, the insect is much closer to you than you might think, you see, in flight they suddenly close their bright wings and fall immediately to the ground. The predator is searching for the bright wings that it was chasing, and continues to run past the actual insect following the flight-path the insect would have taken, had it not closed its wings, and the insect in fact escapes unharmed. Breeding The females will begin to produce ova 2-3 week after their final moult. The females are parthenogenetic, males are not necessary and I have only heard of them wild populations. The eggs are dropped to the floor of their cage with an average of 1-2 ova per female, per week. I collected the ova as they were laid and kept the ova in a small, clear plastic tub with a few small holes punch in the top with a pin. The eggs where placed on damp tissue, with a light spray of water every other night. I have never had any problems with mould. They hatch appox. 3-5 months at room temperature. Here are some comments on this species by other keepers:

"/ keep mine in a Bug Cage with ventilation at one side. I spray lightly, morning and evening. ! feed all year as the main foodplant and lilac as a supplementary foodplant when available." - Moira Drennan

Adult Female "Pseudophasma rufipes: This is how I keep them (adults and nymphs are together in the same cage). They are in a cage of glass. The cage is Rearing 30x20x40 cm (length x width x height). The whole top of the cage is open. During the winter I feed them with privet only. In summer months I also feed them plantago, which they like to eat. I keep them quite dry; I Accommodation I raised the nymphs of this species in a spray the cage a little every two days. I never have any molting problems sweet jar, (26cmx16cm,) that had a large hole cut in the with the nymphs. On the bottom there is some kitchen paper. Once a side, covered with mesh, and mesh netting held securely month I collect the ova. with an elastic band replaced the lid. As a substrate I had kitchen roll, which was sprayed once a week to provide The temperature in my room is 20 degrees centigrade during the night, any moisture needed by the insects. All that was needed during the day about 23 degrees. In summer of course warmer (depends then was the food plants and insects to be inserted into the on the temperatures outside but last summer the temperature in my room cage. I sprayed once a week when they were cleaned out, even raised up to 31 degrees. I incubate the ova on humid cocopeat. It and this provides all the moisture they need. The mesh takes about 3 months until they hatch." - Rob Krijns coverings are needed to give the insects the high level of ventilation that I have found they need to survive. Although Problems As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, I I did raise one insect to adulthood under these conditions, suffered great losses with this insect by keeping them humid, or it did not have much space to shed, so I now move all the lack of ventilation. After improving and increasing the airflow, I insects 4th instar up into a larger cage. This larger cage is have suffered no further problems with this species. a storage container standing on its short side. I cut the front out of the lid, leaving me with a frame, which I Similar Species I have successfully kept Malacomorpha cyllarus attached mesh over to provide the insects with ventilation. under the same conditions as P. rufipes with very good results. The substrate and spraying regimes are the same as the sweet jar. I also prop an empty kitchen roll tube into the Pronunciation Pseudophasma rufipes: Sue-do-faz-ma roo-fi- corner of the cage, where I can always find the majority of pays. the insects. The dimensions of the storage container are: 39cmx24cmx20cm approx. I find this has ample room for Resources 5-6 adults. Attenborough, D. (2005) Life in the undergrowth. BBC Books.

Brock, P. D. (2003) Rearing and Studying Stick and Leaf Insects.- Food plants This species is a privet eater, (Ligustrum Volume 22, the AES. Cravitz Printing Company Ltd. vulgare,) which is often used as hedging, so should be available from a neighbour or yourself. I am lucky, as it Die Konigin, C. (2005) How to build your own phasmid! Hand-out. grows in masses at the entrance to the place where I collect my bramble. I have seen rather large hedges for http://www.maomaconcept.com/insects/Oframe.htrn - Beautiful sale at garden centres at cheap prices. They are, for the photography, seek P. rufipes section. most part, evergreen. They will also feed on Lilac, (Syringa spp.) and Plantain, (Plantago lanceolata.) I have not http://www.microcosiriOS.org.uk/- another website with fantastic discovered any other food plants that were accepted, photography, also view P. rufipes section. although it has been rumoured they will sometimes feed on hypericum. Mine have never taken to it, but perhaps if they Acknowledgements A big thanks too Moira Drennan and Rob were given it from a young age they might acquire the Krijns for sending me their descriptions on how they keep this taste for it. species- greatly appreciated.

March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.13 Notes on the Phasmida Species File By Paul D. Brock PHASMIDA * SPECIES * Since publication of Otte & Brock's Phasmida Species File (PSF) (2nd Edition) on 30th December 2005,1 have been able to throw away all my notes and many corrections to a 2003 version! Dan Otte + FILE * arranged publication via the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia and the book shows what a CAMION Of SUCK AM> UAF INSfCzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA 1» Of TWt tK»lB huge amount of work on classification has been done on the Phasmida by relatively few scientists, much of it in the last 25 years. Even rearers will find value in the many references given, a highlight of the several Orthoptera Species Files initiated by Dan. 1 have used the well received PSF 1st Edition (CD issued 2003) frequently and found it valuable when asked to referee papers submitted to journals. In two cases 1 readily found reference to key papers unknown to the authors concerned, which avoided unnecessary synonyms.

With the amount of data involved and distance between both authors (along with incompatible computer equipment), and a short deadline for publication, some errors were inevitable. I give below a summary of what is included in the book and correct a few entries which had been submitted for DA Mil OIH * PAUl MOCK correction prior to publication, but not rectified due to oversight. Minor data changes are not listed.

Introduction, page 4. The number of families etc. should have been updated in accordance with the 'Taxonomic arrangement' on page 13 i.e. 13 families, 29 and 55 tribes. I have deducted one subfamily (Xylobistinae) and one (Xylobistini) as the only (Xylobistus) has been downgraded as a synonym. Page 5 gives brief information on the higher classification of the Phasmida, followed by a number of important references to phasmids in geographical regions (the Palaearctic region is not split up as instructed and in a few cases, special letters have not converted properly). The concise taxonomic arrangement above genus level (page 13) is broken down into genera listed taxonomically (pages 14 to 18). On page 340 Wattenwylia is correctly placed in the Cladomorphinae, but wrongly listed in on page 15. There is a list of genera and taxonomic position on pages 19 to 26, and pages 27 to 34 gives selected references to taxa above the level of genus. Leach 1815 should read 'Phasmida'. Four references to add: 2000 Bradler, Verh. Westd. Entom. 2000: 179-184 »Genitalia, particular reference to Australian species. 2003 Bradler, in Dathe (ed.) Lehrbuch der speziellen zoologie. Wirbellose Tierre 5 Insecta. Spectrum, Heidelberg, Berlin 251-261 »Phasmatodea, general account, classification. 2003 Brock, in Grzimek's Encyclopedia Vol. 3 Insects (Phasmida section 221-231) »Classification. 2004 Zompro, Review of the genera of the Areolatae, including the status of Timema and Agathemera (Insecta, Phasmatodea). Goecke & Evers, Keltern-Weiler, Germany.

The bulk of the text (pages 35 to 344) covers the genera and species in alphabetical order (usually!) with an index to the same on pages 345 to 414. The lists are concise, with selected references given. Seven corrections to add: Page 37: ACANTHODERUS Gray 1835 - arispa Westwood and similis Redtenbacher -»transfer to CANULEIUS Stal 1875 Page 127: DIMORPHODES Westwood 1859 - mancus centurion Brunner and mancus centurion Redtenbacher (homonym) should both be corrected to mancus centurio. Page 220: NEOPROMACHUS Giglio-Tos 1912Add the following species: frater Brunner - IM / New Guinea: Milne Bay, Staudinger Vienna: Naturhistorisches Museum - holotype male 1907 Brunner, Die Insektenfamilie der Phasmiden: 299 »Promachus 1998 Brock, Kat. wiss. Saamml. Naturh. Mus. Wien, 13 Ent. 5: 30 »Type data Page 247: Paraleptinia schulthessi is left 'in suspense' and should have been transferred to MARANSIS Karsch 1898, where Paralepiinia Carl 1913, is correctly listed as a new synonym. Page 278: Planispectrum pusillus is incorrectly placed in the next alphabetical genus Planudes and should have been listed under PLANISPECTRUM Rehn & Rehn 1939. Page 299: Dubreuilia Brunner 1907 (synonym) - type species should read: Paraclitumnus lineatus Brunner 1893, by indication. Page 309: RHAPHIDERUS Serville 1838 omits Cliquennois and Brock 2004, Bull. Soc. ent. Fr. 109(1): 53 which lists alliaceus Stal and dumerilii (Gray 1835) as synonyms of scabrosus (Percheron). R. spinigerus (Lucas) is a valid name (above reference, p. 54). In addition, it has been brought to my attention that Camax acutus is included under MARANSIS (page 190) in error and should remain in Leptynia (page 174), as acutus is the type species of Camax..Zompro (2005) in Mitt. Mus. Nat. kd. Berl. Dtsch. Entomol Z. 52(2): 253 lists it as a Camax species, but without clarification. I also noticed that Necroscia queenslandica (page 214) should be deleted (duplicate entry, see page 317).

As a draft of the manuscript referred to genera in subfamilies without tribes as 'tribe unknown', an attempt was made to tidy these up by allocating tribes (see taxonomic arrangement, page 13). The characteristics of these tribes are readily distinguished by reference to the subfamily's characteristics, see Bradley & Galii, 1977). For example, the numerous genera in the Necrosciinae are allocated to the tribe Necrosciini (see key on page 179 of Bradley & Galil). Technically, this is unnecessary. In future, some genera in the subfamily may be allocated to other tribes and the tribes would then be distinguished from one another. Ramulini, a tribe of the , is a replacement for Baculini (Bradley & Galil, pages 192-193.) Ramulini was used by Gunther, 1953 based on Ramulus, but as some species were misinterpreted, was also linked with genera belonging to Gratidiini.

With publication of Otte & Brock, the Phasmida Species File online website mentioned in the December Newsletter http://phasmida.orthoptera.org is being updated and will include the bulk of Otte & Brock*, including minor corrections (but not the notes about references), also photographs of many type species. It will also have recent references received too late for inclusion in Otte & Brock, including new species. The references will be listed in full and expanded for many species in due course. If someone wants to, they can input hundreds of references on Carausius morosusl As usual, PSG members will be amongst the first to know when the conversion process has been completed. *Many enthusiasts still prefer books and I envisage using the book alongside the updated website facility. March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.14 JUNGLE NYMPH WEIGH-IN! by George Beccaloni Everyone knows that the Jungle Nymph, Heteropteryx dilatata, is the world's heaviest stick insect, but how heavy do the females actually get? The record given in The Guinness Book of Records and The Guinness Book of Animal Facts & Feats is of a 160 mm dead female specimen in Paul Brock's collection which probably weighed at least 65 grams in its egg-laying prime. The problem is that this was an educated guess rather than an accurate measurement and so I (the curator of stick insects and other orthopteroids at the Natural History Museum) want to cite an actual weight in a book I am writing for the Museum about the world's largest insects, arachnids and myriapods. The heaviest reliably measured female weighed 51.2 grams, so if you think you have a heavier specimen which could be the World Champion then please bring it with you to the PSG Summer Meeting on the 8th July. There will be an official weigh-in of the contestants using a digital balance and the winner and her proud owner will be photographed for my book.

Thanks George for an excellent idea. Yes folks, this is a COMPETITION! Please do take part, and bring your monster JNs to the July 8th 2006 meeting.

Resurrection of the Cockroach Culture Group by George Beccaloni

This may be a bit off-topic, but I know many PSG members keep these fascinating creatures - I certainly do. I have had many queries from members on this subject, and now we can have an authoritative answer.

PSG members might like to know that the Blattodea Culture Group (BCG) has been revived after a long period of diapause, and that the first issue of the group's new colour journal, Cockroach Studies (CS), has just been printed. CS will be published twice yearly and its aims are to disseminate information about the taxonomy, biology and ecology of cockroaches, as well as to provide practical advice on how to rear these fascinating insects in captivity. If you are interested in joining the BCG then please contact the Membership Secretary, Roland Dusi (see CS for contact details).

If you would like to receive a free sample copy of the first issue of CS then please send a 16 cm x 23 cm (or larger) [around 6.3 ins x 9 ins] stamped addressed envelope to:-

Dr George Beccaloni Curator of Orthopteroidea Entomology Department The Natural History Museum Cromwell Road South Kensington London SW7 5BD U.K. E-mail: [email protected]

It weighs more than 60 grams, so please put 35p of stamps for 2nd class post and 46p for 1st class (in UK). Picture: Mike Smith

MESSAGE FROM THE NEW PSG JOINT SECRETARIES - Ian Bushell & Sarah Houghton [I invited a comment from each of our new joint Secretaries, their replies follow.] IAN: Thanks for the e-mail and welcome to the fold. Cannot think of anything bright and clever to say, just that I am looking forward, with Sarah, to putting something back into the Group and that hopefully will be of benefit to all. SARAH: Hello all, thanks for voting me and Ian in as joint Secretaries, I hope I can keep up with Ian! I have been very, very busy with work at the moment but hope to come up with some new T-shirts and other merchandise soon. If anyone has any items they particularly want to see, please email me at [email protected].

March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.15 PSG COMMITTEE PSG MEMBERSHIP 2006

CHAIRMAN Judith Marshall Subscription rates for 2006 are: To arrange meetings within the NHM, Dept. of Entomology, The Natural History United Kingdom £9.00; Europe Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD. £11.00; and Overseas £12.00. If (Tel: 020 7942 5610; Fax 020 7942 5229) E-mail: ehairman(3?,stickinsect.org.uk. you are not a member of the PSG, and wish to join, please send your TREASURER/MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Paul Brock subscription to: Paul Brock. "Papillion", To receive membership applications and renewals, and keep track of PSG finances. 40 Thorndike Road, Slough, Berks. "Papillon", 40 Thorndike Road, Slough, Berks. SL2 1SR. SL2 1SR, England, together with your (Tel: 01753 579447 Phone after 5pm) E-mail: [email protected]. name, address (including post code SECRETARY Ian Bushell and Sarah Houghton and country), phone No, and e-mail To produce agendas and minutes for PSG meetings address (if any). Payments can be E-mail [email protected]. made by Cheque, Postal Order, International Postal Giro, or a cheque PHASMID STUDIES EDITOR Phil Bragg in £ sterling drawn against a London To produce agendas and minutes for PSG meetings, and edit the more Bank. Cheques, etc, should be made technical/scientific articles, for Phasmid Studies. 8 The Lane, Awsworth, Nottinghamshire, NG16 2QP. payable to "The Phasmid Study (Tel: 0115 9305010). E-mail: Currently not available on e-mail Group". PLEASE NOTE, unfortunately, we are unable to accept EXHIBITION & MEETINGS OFFICER Paul Jennings (assisted by Paul Taylor) To assist the PSG in having a presence at relevant exhibitions and meetings. Eurocheques. UK members only may 89 Brackensdale Avenue, Derby, DE22 4AF. Tel: 01332 343477. also pay by Standing Order, please contact the Membership Secretary for LIVESTOCK COORDINATOR Janine Fletcher a form. Cash may be sent in your own To coordinate between those with surplus livestock and those wanting species. currency, but if so please add £3 for 125 Malvern Drive, North Common, Warmley, Bristol, BS30 8UY. exchange rate variations. However Tel: 01179 604917, E-mail: livestock^stickinsect.orq.uk. there is a serious danger that bank notes will get lost in the post so, if you LIBRARIAN David Robinson must send bank notes, this is entirely To keep all relevant information for general reference. Tel: 01908 653493, e-mail at your own risk. If you send cash, it is [email protected] COMMITTEE MEMBERS: recommended that you do so by Paul Taylor (PSG Website Master) E-mail [email protected] registered post. Payment can also be Kristien Rabaey/Rob Simeons (European representatives) made on our website using Paypal (via Cameron Die Konigin (PSG Competition Organiser) website www.stickinsect.org.uk), but Paypal Ian Abercrombie is not currently available in every country in Vacancy (Holder & seller of PSG merchandise) the world. Also go to the website for full details of the benefits of PSG membership.

WANTS & EXCHANGES

Do not forget that your spare ova (eggs) should be sent to our Livestock Co-ordinator, Jan Fletcher (requests always outweigh offers - please send Janine your spare livestock). Also, any requests for ova, etc may go to Jan too.

125 Malvern Drive, North Common, Warmley, Bristol, BS30 8UY. Tel: 01179 604917. e-mail:[email protected].

Janine advises that she has a surplus of the following ova (eggs) PSG Nos: 1, 5, 13, 14, 15, 19, 23, 31, 73, 82, 85, 101, 103, 120, 144, 145, 166, 173, 174, 181, 182, 195,208, 214, 227, 236, 237, 240, 250, 255, 256, 260, 263, 264, Leiophasma lucubense, Pseudophasma velutinum, Bacteha sp. (Tortola), Calynda sp., lobata, & Parapachymorpha spiniger, siccifolium. (If you want any of these, please contact Janine).

The following ova were wanted by members (if you can spare any of these, please send them to Janine): PSG Nos: 2, 10, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 31, 35, 59, 60, 69, 70, 72, 76, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 110, 111, 112, 117, 125, 126, 127, 128, 154, 177, 186, 190, 193, 199, 247, & 258.

JAN ALSO ADVISES THAT MEMBERS SHOULD NOT SEND HER, OR SEEK FROM HER, ANY NYMPHS WITHOUT FIRST CONTACTING HER, SO APPROPRIATE ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE FOR THEIR ARRIVAL. OVA, HOWEVER, MAY NORMALLY BE SENT ANYTIME. (Please include your phone No in any e-mail to Janine).

WANTED. I'm searching for all Anisomorpha species, i.e. paromalus, buprestoides, ferruginea and others. Happy to pay postage. Contact me if you can help. Email- giant [email protected]. Address-74 Oakfield Rd, Blackwater, Camberley, Surrey, GU1 9DZ (will make up for postage cost of a letter). Chris Pull.

NOTICE It is to be directly understood that all views, opinions or theories, expressed in the pages of "The Newsletter", are those of the author(s) concerned. All announcements of meetings, requests for help or information, are accepted as bona fide. Neither the Editor, nor Officers of "The Phasmid Study Group", can be held responsible for any loss, embarrassment or injury that might be sustained by reliance thereon.

March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.16 PHA

As you are probably aware from the questionnaire and AGM, the PSG Committee have had to look closely at our flagship publications the Newsletter and Phasmid Studies - both are probably the main reasons for members joining the PSG. Unfortunately, the publications also took up most of the membership subscriptions too. The problem is that it is no longer viable to print the publications at Paul Brock's school, and every alternative printing method we looked at would cost more.

Our ideas are not set in stone, but we have decided on a way forward for the time being. The PSG Newsletter will remain available to all PSG members, in full colour on the PSG website, and additionally a copy with four colour pages will be sent to each PSG member by post (this March Newsletter is the first to be printed this way). They will be printed by our new printers who did well when we sought a number of quotes. For the time being any extra costs will be met from the PSG General Fund, but next year's subscription may need to increase by up to £3 to meet the new costs.

It was decided to also put Phasmid Studies onto the PSG website (in full colour, should colours be used in the publication). Phasmid Studies is a very important publication for the PSG; it is used to produce articles generally of a more technical nature than the Newsletter, and it can be used to publish papers. However, not all members are very interested in reading it, and many members thought it should be sent in hard copy only to those members that particularly want to receive it that way. So it is not intended to automatically send out printed copies to all PSG members - though a minimum of 5 hard copies will be printed for circulation to the British Library and other recognised institutions in order to fulfil the publication requirements of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.

If you do want to read Phasmid Studies, you can do so on the PSG website (the Newsletter will advise you when one is available to read). If you want a hard copy, you are welcome to print one off of the website. We are aware, however, that not everyone has the facilities to do this, or that some members may have another special reason for wanting a personal hard copy sent to them. So, for these members, a facility is being made available for them to receive a hard copy by post. This facility will be free of charge for this year (at least), as again for the time being any extra costs will be met from the PSG General Fund.

If you want/need a personal hard copy of Phasmid Studies sent to you, it is essential that you send the application form below to Paul Brock. This facility will be available only to those members that return this form by post (copies are acceptable).

It had been mentioned at the AGM that the publication dates of Phasmid Studies have been erratic recently, and with fewer issues published each year than expected. Phil Bragg, the editor of Phasmid Studies, says this is because of the diminishing number of articles submitted to him for publication. Members are free to decide if they want their articles printed in either the Newsletter or Phasmid Studies; if you want it in the Newsletter send it to me (Mike Smith), if you want it in Phasmid Studies sent it to Phil Bragg. However, articles for Phasmid Studies do have to meet certain criteria, as published in each copy of Phasmid Studies. Only if you have any queries on this criteria, please contact Phil Bragg e-mail [email protected] BUT ensure it is titled Phasmid Studies" (no other e-mails will get through at present). x

APPLICATION FOR A HARD COPY OF PHASMID STUDIES TO BE SENT TO MY HOME ADDRESS

(Applications by post only, please)

To: Paul Brock, "Papillon", 40 Thorndike Road, Slough, Berks. SL2 1SR.

Please send me, free of charge, a hard copy of any Phasmid Studies which are published this year.

NAME: PSG MEMBERSHIP No:

ADDRESS:

March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.17 PSG MERCHANDISE

PENS 40p Pens - 40p each + P&P Stickers - 60p each + P&P Car Window Stickers - 60p each + P&P (P&P per order on all the above UK - 25p, Overseas - 40p)

T SHIRTS

With the following designs -

Oreophoetes peruana PSG No 84 STICKERS 60p Aretaon asperrimus PSG No 118 The size of a CD. Phyllium bioculatum PSG No 10 Either sticky on front, for use in car windows, or sticky on back for sticking onto things.

£6.50each + P&P ( UK £1.00, Overseas £1.50) Many memhery wore- a/VSQ T- bhCrtotour Summer and/

Meeting* Ifyow wortta/PSC? T-ihCrt aetcm£/ yoow before we ru#v out of our liwufei' Oreophoetes peruana Phyllium bioculatum Aretaon asperrimus Stocky Only £6.50 PSG No 84 (£6.50) PSG No 10 (£6.50) PSG No 118 (£6.50) - whata/bar^oUrii

Please send your order to: We have no PSG Merchandise Co- ordinator at present, if you want to volunteer for the post, please contact the Chairman, Judith Marshall. (Temporarily, merchandise can be obtained from Judith. Cheques made payable to "The Phasmid Study Group"). All these above items will usually also be available at the Summer and the AGMAA/inter Meetings, prices as above, but you save on the P&P.

BACK COPIES OF NEWSLETTERS FOR SALE. BOOKS ON STICK INSECTS. Back copies of all Newsletters are now available at The PSG Summer and Winter £2 each, or £1.50 each for copies before Meetings usually have numerous September 2001. Prices include postage in UK phasmid (and other) books for sale, only. [Overseas members need to contact Paul often at specially reduced prices. You Brock for details of the postage costs]. Copying will can buy them from the authors and be done in batches within 2 to 3 months, so even get them autographed. Phil members may need to be patient. The culture list Bragg, Paul Brock, and Ron Baxter are refers to which Newsletters cover which species. typical authors.

March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.18 RESULTS FOR THE JANUARY 2006 COMPETITION by Cameron Die Konigin

The competition this year had mixed results regarding the number of entries. Although the number of participants in the junior Livestock section and the adult Photographic/Drawing section were limited, the number of entries in the two other categories (Junior Photographic/Drawing and Adult Livestock) was good, with a substantial number of live insects available for other members to see. All entries were of a very high standard and it was pleasing to see that some of the livestock had been displayed in containers that enhanced the look of the insects, such as the pair of Oreophoestes peruana placed in a very clear large jar with natural wood and fern leaves. Such efforts in enhancing the visual look of the insects certainly added to the overall effect.

There were definitely some highlights, with two new spectacular species on display from Ernst Jansen, one of our European members. There was a pair of Peruphasma schultei, a stocky jet-black species with very pale, almost white eyes and bright red wings. If there was any species that caught members' interest, it was this one. Fortunately, there are several PSG members who have now got ova of this species so hopefully it will become available on the exchange table in the not too distant future. The other species was Spiniphasma crassithorax, another short stocky species, but bright green with pink markings, and carrying some of the largest spines, in relation to its body, of any phasmid. Both this and the Peruphasma, mentioned above, will no doubt be keenly sought after, once they begin to circulate within the PSG. There were many other insects on display, some of which are mentioned below.

There were several entries within the Livestock section and almost every single insect was in perfect condition, without any damage. As well as the species mentioned above, there was a young Phyllium bioculatum entered by Philip Crisp and several different Pseudophasma species entered by various members. The results for the competition were as follows -

Second place in the Livestock section was given to Kristien Rabaey and Rob Simeons for their Phanocloidea nodulosa, a long and decoratively patterned, green and white species that is First place in the Livestock section was given to not easy to Natalie Ford for her perfect pair of beautifully marked culture. Haaniella muelleri.

First and second place in the Photographic/Drawing section were taken by Mike Smith. The first place was taken with a close up photograph of the head and thorax of a calcarata taken on a yellow background, whilst the second place was taken with a photograph of a young Heteropteryx dilatata lying on its back.

March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.19 First place in First place for Junior Photographic/Drawing the Junior Chris Pull took this with his colourful watercolour of Livestock - Parectatosoma mocquerysi. Chris Pull's well-presented Oreophoestes peruana (mentioned above) took first place.

Second place for Junior Photographic/Drawing was for Angus Dymoke's close up photograph of an immature Pseudophasma rufipes

All members who gained a first or second place were awarded with certificates, those coming first also being eligible for free PSG membership for one year. Thank you to everyone who took part. Those who entered, irrespective of whether they achieved a certificate or not, provided the members a really good opportunity to see some new and/or interesting species. The judging of the entries was carried out by myself and Sarah Houghton.

The future of the PSG competition. There was a discussion within the PSG committee about the future developments for the competition and one of the best ways forward would be hold it once a year, rather than currently, twice a year. The reason for this is to allow the re-introduction of themed meetings, that used be held until recently. The plan will be for members to be notified in advance of what the theme will be, for example Heteropteryginae or Central American phasmids, and these insects (both live and preserved) will then be put on display for members to see, both from the collection within the Natural History Museum and from members private collections. The advantage of this is that it will allow members to 1) see a comprehensive range of species either within a given related group or geographical area, 2) help members to identify insects that they have in their collections and also to 3) give an idea of what members may wish to collect in future

So, this summer, the competition will be taking a rest and in its place, the PSG will be displaying a collection of insects, the theme of which will be announced in the next newsletter. The competition will then fall in as an annual event and the next one will take place in 2007. Information will be available in the newsletter nearer the time. Cameron DK LATEST ON NEW ZEALAND PHASMIDS by Paul Brock (No. 26)

The aim of publishing a detailed review on the New Zealand phasmids (Jewell & Brock, 2003) was to encourage further work on the fauna, particularly by specialists in genetics. It is pleasing to report that two such interesting papers have been published in 2005 (Morgan-Richards & Trewick; Trewick et al). The authors have, as expected by Jewell & Brock, proposed that Argosarchus spiniger is a synonym of Argosarchus horridus, and Clitarchus tuberculatus a synonym of Clitarchus hookeri. The exact nature of Acanthoxyla (variably treated by different authors, as either distinct species or subspecies of A. prasina) is still under investigation. There is also a new, well illustrated and accurate 33 page book on phasmids for children of all ages - well worth obtaining. Photographs include a feeding C. hookeri to her chicks.

Jewell, T. & Brock, P.D. [2003]. A review of the New Zealand stick insects: new genera and synonymy, keys, and a catalogue. Journal of Orthoptera Research 11: 189-197.

Morgan-Richards, M. & Trewick, S.A. (2005). Hybrid origin of a parthenogenetic genus? Molecular Ecology 14: 2133-2142.

Trewick, S. & Morgan-Richards, M. (2005). New Zealand Wild Stick Insects. Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd, Auckland.

Trewick, S.A., Goldberg, J. & Morgan-Richards, M. (2005). Fewer species of Argosarchus and Clitarchus stick insects (Phasmida, Phasmatinae): evidence from nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequence data. Zoologica Scripta 34: 483-491.

March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.20 Trewick, S. & Morgan-Richards, M. 2005. New Zealand Wild: Stick Insects. Reed Books, Auckland. 14.99 New Zealand Dollars (ISBN 186948 570X). Well illustrated paperback. 32 pages, paperback.

Zompro, O. 2004. Review of the genera of the Areolatae, including the status of Timema and Agathemera (Insecta, Phasmatodea). Goecke & Evers, Keltern-Weiler, Germany. 90 Euros ISBN 3-931374-39-4 (ISSN 0173-7491). Covers part of the phasmid fauna, the suborder Areolatae, with some changes proposed. Priority for phylogenetic relationships is given to egg morphology. The book includes a diagnosis and list of material examined for each genus in the Areolatae, in addition to describing fourteen new genera and thirteen new species. Keys to adults and eggs of all genera are included. There is a useful list of all genera of the order, including their type species. In view of the content and cost, one for the specialist or museum reference library. 327 pages, hardback, 161 figures.

In addition to the above, there are a number of books with reasonable content on stick insects. In many cases, references are included in my 1999 AES book. There is also a video available - Stick and Leaf Insects. A Novice's Guide to Keeping Phasmids. GK Video. VHS/PAL. £11.99 incl. p&p. Available from GK Video, P.O.Box 213, Grimsby, DN36 5ZG. A well made 32-minute film, with good advice.

A CD-Rom Katalog der Phasmideneier by Rainer Koch and Christoph Seiler was issued in 1999, covering 180 species of phasmid eggs. Cost - check price. Available from R. Koch, Grenzofer Str. 28, D-69214 Eppelheim, Germany.

New Additions To The Culture List by Phil Bragg.

PSG 261. Canachus alligator Redtenbacher, 1908 A member of the Eurycanthinae from New Caledonia. Females 80mm, males 45mm. Feeds on Bramble, Eucalyptus, Hawthorn, Raspberry, Evergreen oak, Oak and Ivy. They seem to be easy to rear but lay few eggs; the eggs are very large for an insect of this size. Joachim Bresseel started the Canachus alligator culture.

PSG 262. Stheneboea repudiosa Brunner, 1907 A member of the from West Malaysia; brought into culture by Wim Potvin. Females 85mm, Males 60mm. Feeds on Bramble and Raspberry.

PSG 263. Bacteria yersiniana Saussure, 1868 A member of the Diapheromerinae from Tortola Is. (British Virgin Islands); collected by Tony James. Females 130mm, males 85mm. Feeds on Privet and Hebe. Identified by Frank Hennemann. My experience is they have a high hatch rate but poor survival in the 1st and 2nd instars, after that there were no problems.

PSG 264. Pseudophasma velutinum (Redtenbacher, 1906) See PSG Newsletter 104: 4 for details on this culture.

PSG 265. Abrosoma johorensis Seow-Choen & Goh, 1999 A member of the Aschiphasmatinae from West Malaysia. Collected by Ian Bushell in February 2005 from Bukit Pelindung, Kuantan, close to the shore of Campedak beach. Total of four pairs collected, feeding on what appeared to be Tradescanthea spp. The female is 45mm and wingless; male 35mm and winged. They feed on Willow herb, Fuchia and Evening primrose and Ian says they are very easy to culture. Eggs typical Abrosoma, hatching after about 12 weeks with low mortality. They thrive well when misted daily.

PSG 266. Agamemnon cornutus (Burmeister, 1838) A member of the Cladomorphinae from the Tortola Is. (British Virgin Is). Brought into culture by Tony James. Females 70mm, males 55mm. Feeds on Bramble and seems to be easy to rear. Several cultures were distributed at the AGM in January, and I believe several were distributed at the Summer meeting in July 2005. Mis-labelled livestock.

Six lots of PSG 253 Ramulus sp. were distributed at the AGM with the number 264 on them. This was due to my brain failure - Phil Bragg.

SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN A STICK INSECT IS ABOUT TO MOULT by Stephen Lee Thomas Knowing when a stick insect is about to shed its old "skin" is important, eg when the cage has to be cleaned out. But it is at this moment that the insect is most vulnerable. It is also a prelude to watching the process itself. A stick insect does not shed all of its exo-skeleton, most of this has been re-absorbed whilst a new one has been forming. As time goes on the insect grows and appears to get plumper, but cannot increase in length much - the only really elastic parts being the mid-lines of the thorax and abdomen and the wing buds also swell.

The insect stops feeding and hangs from a suitable perch. I have noticed Heteropteryx nymphs, which moult hanging by their rear pair of legs only, checking with their antennae that there are no obstructions. A Eurycantha nymph may also pull its legs to make sure its tarsi are properly embedded in a leaf.

When the mouthparts open slightly, moulting is imminent, and begins with the head being folded in towards the abdomen, and the "skin" splitting down the middle. After much struggling, the mouthparts, antennae, legs and, lastly, abdomen, are pulled free. The insect hangs from the tip of its abdomen whilst the wings are pumped out with blood. Bacillus rossius female moulting, by Paul Brock

March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.21 PSG AGM & WINTER MEETING by Mike Smith

We had another great meeting on Saturday 14th January 2006. As usual, I will describe the day from my point of view; but other member's views, separately elsewhere in this Newsletter. The Day Begins Early. My day viable alternatives We had quotes started fairly early as I prepared all the from different printers, members' things I needed to take with me to the comments from the questionnaires, meeting. I eventually left home at 8.10 and our Treasurer Paul Brock had am, travelling by car then tube to done some costings. South Kensington underground After much discussion, we decided it station, I arrived about 10.20 am. I best to get the Newsletter printed by followed the tunnel to the main Natural The Annual General Meeting (AGM). the best value printer. Phasmid History Museum entrance - and was Judith welcomed everyone and introduced Studies (very important, but with amazed to see, outside the entrance, a Paul Brock, our hard-working Treasurer & limited readership) is to be available full-sized skating rink with many Membership Secretary on the Website to all members, with a skaters, together with food stalls. Like minimum of 5 hard copies printed for a scene from Victorian England. circulation to the British Library and other recognised institutions in order to fulfil the publication requirements of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Hard copies can be made available to members who request them (see page 17 in this Newsletter for details). This would be a compromise solution involving a modest increase in membership fees Paul said we had a modest increase in of up to £3 from 2007. (For 2006, any membership over last year, which was good extra cost would be met from the PSG news. He then outlined some of the General Fund). We wanted to keep Then into the museum. As I've said problems with the printing of the Newsletter the situation fluid, so decided to seek before, the security staff must wonder and Phasmid Studies, and our proposed at the AGM agreement to a about our meetings; they have to open solutions. He put it to the vote for membership fee increase of up to £3 in all our bags for a security check, and membership agreement to enable us to put 2007 (which was forthcoming), but the may cringe at all these sticks crawling up our membership fees by up to £3 next actual increase would be kept to a around. I then noticed the museum year (2007) as necessary, and members minimum. had yet another rearrangement; the approved this. After queries from a shop was now near the main entrance member, we also may consider the so I looked round it and saw some Newsletter remaining available on the amazing stuff you just don't see for Website and only available to members as a sale elsewhere. Finally, on to the hard copy to members who request it. meeting room. It was still around an Though Paul pointed out the administration hour before the meeting was due to of such a scheme could be complicated, and start, yet there must have been a I suggested the cost of printing it out on your dozen members milling around there own printer would probably not save already. I quickly put out the name Next we covered the Competition. We anything over a mass-produced copy. labels, pens, spare agendas, and other decided to hold the Competition only Finally, Paul pointed out his Phasmida stuff around the room. I had one of once per year, at the Winter Meeting, Species File was now available in book Judith's drinks and chocolate biscuits, and for the Summer Meeting we would form, and would soon be available on the and sorted through my paperwork encourage displays of species from a ready for the committee meeting and web. (See his article on page 14). particular area (as we had done in the AGM. The people around me were my I then reported as Editor of the Newsletter. I past - and more details on this in the PSG (and Sticktalk) friends that I meet pointed out that Paul had covered the June Newsletter). I'll give no more only once or twice a year, so I spent change of printers, but I held up a mock-up details about the Competition decision, an enjoyable few minutes chatting to blank Newsletter to show how the new as Cameron is doing a separate article various people. Then Cameron Newsletter would look when printed on up to on it (see page 19). arrived and started setting up the 14 sheets of quality A3 paper, and folded Competition table. I helped him to do and stapled. this, and then put in my two photos for Then we went on to the Species List. the adult picture competition. Before I We discussed the need for new realised, it was gone 11.30 and time species to have samples in collections, for the Committee Meeting. and the desirability of getting some historical information. Finally we spoke a bit about the vacancies on the The Committee Meeting. First on the committee, and whether we had any list was the Newsletter and Phasmid volunteers for the posts. By now it Studies printing problems. We could was 12.30 pm and time to start the no longer use printing facilities at Paul Annual General Meeting. Brock's school, so had to look for March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.22 ranked members for returning the Next was Cameron, our PSG Competition Drawing Section 1st & 2nd place went to ecent Questionnaires, and assured I Organiser. He explained the decision to me (yes I did it again), and although the -ad passed on the results and hold the Competition only once per year, pictures were not fantastic, I did take comments to all the PSG Committee at the Winter Meeting, and that for the more conventional pictures this time (see nembers. Finally, I pointed out we Summer Meeting we would encourage front cover), though one was a bit now had written "Role Profiles" to displays of species from a particular area. unusual and attracted some interest - it explain the general roles of all PSG Judith said she could bring dead samples was the underside of a young Jungle Committee members. from the Museum stocks to add to the Nymph. "Why, how?" I was asked. displays. Phil said he could do a side Phil Bragg, Editor of Phasmid Studies, show with a television showing slides of said contributions to the publication relevant stick insects. were few, hence he was not able to publish as often as he would like. He said that even when it will be published on the PSG Website, a small number of hard copies would need to be printed to satisfy publication rules on papers. Phil mentioned the poor printing quality of some copies of the last Phasmid Studies, Paul apologised A bit naughty, but I had put it on my for this, and said it was due to the scanner, covered it with a sheet of white copier having a fault and, because of paper, and scanned it in. The resulting the late arrival of the Phasmid Studies picture was amazing (and the stick insect master, he could not delay the printing Election of Officers & Committee. seemed none the worse for the of Phasmid Studies (or the Newsletter We had two volunteers for the vacated experience). Well done to everyone that would have been delayed and post of Secretary: Ian Bushell and took part. members would not have had Sarah Houghton. Both well-known and information on the AGM in time). able members of the PSG for many years. While we were discussing how David Robinson, the PSG Librarian, best to put it to the vote as to who would said with the books and websites get the job, Ian and Sarah agreed to available to members, he felt his role share the role, and both were voted in - had diminished, but he pointed out he congratulations! (See their comments had access to publications that were on page 15). not generally available elsewhere. I asked David if he could give me his Sadly, we had no volunteers for the phone number and e-mail address for vacant PSG Merchandise Officer's post. the Newsletter, and a member asked if However, Sarah Houghton said she his details could also be put on the might be able to assist with some new PSG Website. David agreed to get merchandise until someone permanent Cockroach Culture Group. A bit off this done. (See "Committee" page 16). could take on the role. (If you are subject, but many of our members also interested in this post, please contact keep cockroaches. Adrian addressed the Paul Jennings, our Exhibitions & our Chairman, Judith Marshall, or any meeting and said he was resurrecting the Meetings Officer, was taken ill and was Committee member). Cockroach Culture Group. Its next unable to attend the meeting. meeting will be on 4th June in Leipzig, Other Committee members were voted Germany. I asked him to send me back in, en bloc. details, which you can read on page 15 of Date of Next Meeting. Judith has this Newsletter. arranged the meeting room for

Saturday, 8th July 2006. Question & Answer Panel. We had no- one giving a talk at this meeting, so we Lunch Break. We then broke off the were able to have a long and interesting meeting for an hour's lunch break. It question and answer session with our really was never going to be long panel of experts: Ian Abercrombie, Paul enough. Apart from eating your Brock, Phil Bragg, and Judith Marshall. I sandwiches, there was so much to see tried to keep track of all the questions and Janine, our Livestock Co-ordinator (photos, livestock, the exchange table), answers, apologies if I missed anything. thanked all the members that had sent and so much to do (buy merchandise her ova and livestock. There had been and books, meet other members), etc, an improvement in supplies to her that the hour disappeared in a flash. since last year, but still she was not receiving enough supplies to satisfy Competition Results. Cameron and the requests she was receiving for Sarah Houghton had kindly judged the livestock. Janine said problems with competition, and Cameron pointed out what a difficult challenge it had been her PC prevented her from replying to with such high quality entries. Full e-mails, so apologised to members, details are in Cameron's article page 19 and asked if any e-mails to her could of the Newsletter. However, I must now include a phone number to ensure point out that in the Adult Photo and she can get back to members. March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.23 There was a query on the naming of Conclusion. Sadly, all good things come sticks and why some names are so to an end, and in due course the meeting similar. It was pointed out that it can be ended (at around 4.30 pm). I would have a struggle sometimes to think of new loved to have spoken some more to other names, and also that when a species members, but we all had faraway homes moved from one genus to another it to go to. I had a dance to go to that night may be that a similar name already too, with my wife, so had to rush. The exists. skating rink was in full swing and very crowded as I passed, and there was The next query was on what determined some disruption on the underground the ratio of male to female offspring, and trains which delayed me a bit. I finally got why one sex of nymph may die out. It home around 7.20pm - just in time to get Livestock Exchange. Finally, we had was suggested that the environment washed, changed, and go out again. I left the flagship of all our meetings, the was the major factor in this, in particular the bag of notes and sticks in my animal ever-popular livestock distribution. the temperature. Also, ova can have an shed overnight, and next day had a very Janine again used the excellent new even ratio of male and females for initial enjoyable time sorting them all out. system from the last meeting, where hatchlings, but later hatchlings may be everyone stayed in their seats and put (re sale of phasmids) all female. This could be because the Important Notice up their hands if they wanted stock, sperm ran out for subsequent layings. which was then taken to them by able Members' attention is drawn to the PSG Also, the poor quality of food plants can helpers Cameron and Sarah. Again, I Constitution, a copy of which is sent to each sometimes kill females but not males, thought this civilised system a big new member. especially in the larger species. As an improvement on the old method where aside it was said that an increase in fn particular, Rule No 22: Members of everyone crowded round the table of temperature by 10 degrees centigrade the Group shall not sell to anyone any stock. can double the growth rate of sick phasmid livestock they obtain through insects. the Group, and they shall ensure a similar undertaking on any such livestock they give away. Further, What is the best floor covering? Kitchen members shall not sell any phasmid towel and sand were suggested, but livestock to other members. definitely not soil from the garden. Sand, peat, or something similar was There have been occasions when this rule has essential for ova laid by stick insects obviously been breached, eg when sticks with an ovipositor. To increase the appear for sale which could only have humidity, it was suggested putting a originated for free from the PSG as the stock florist's oasis that is kept damp in the is not generally available. cage. The PSG was started by people with a great Sorry to raise a downbeat note, but I felt enthusiasm for rearing phasmids, many of Have fossilized stick insects been that it was spoiled a bit this time, as which were provided by members who spent found? Yes, some up to 40 million some members' excitement got the time, effort, and money by going abroad to years old in amber or stone. Paul says better of them and they started edging collect them: all of whom gave their insects he has a chapter on it in his book towards standing by the table, or sitting free of charge to other members of the PSG. Amazing World of Stick Insects. in seats around the table, which seemed So as a group we agreed that we would never to give them a perceived or real sell such wild-collected livestock, and their How can mould be prevented or cured? advantage over those that stayed in offspring, nor indeed sell ANY PSG There were some cultures of insects etc their seats. Perhaps something to look livestock. All such livestock is therefore that could be introduced that eat mould at next time. At least once, Janine did freely handed out at PSG meetings, and by yet are safe for stick insects, but they send them all away from the table, but inter-member transactions, on the are hard to find and expensive. Janine had her work cut out identifying, understanding that all members will abide by Woodlice could be used, but have been sorting, and distributing the livestock - this rule, and make sure anyone they known to eat stick insects when they run and she ensured no stock was left pass specimens on to will do the same. out of mould, however they do not eat behind. Janine, Cameron and Sarah (Obviously the costs of post and packing may ova. did a wonderful job, well done. Anyway, be covered by mutual agreement). I shouldn't complain, I picked up a The end of the session saw a bit of number of excellent sticks, in particular We have some wonderful species available on general information being passed back two Phyllium giganteum. and forth, eg that eucalyptus leaves free exchange within the PSG, and are trying need changing every 2-3 days or they to protect these species, and our friends who dry out even though they look okay. collected them, from commercial exploitation. While the selling of phasmids obtained from Comments have been received that non-PSG sources is permissible, it can lead to some members at the back of the unfortunate misunderstandings, so such meeting could not hear the questions sellers should be very circumspect if they and answers (nor some of the must partake in such sales. committee members' reports). For the future we will try to address this, eg by PSG members rightly feel very' strongly about repeating the questions, and/or using a this, and anyone found flouting this rule could microphone. However, the session was have their membership and privileges of the extremely interesting and enjoyable, Phasmid Study Group revoked. Your cooperation will be much appreciated. many thanks to the panel. March 2006 Website: www.stickinsect.org.uk Newsletter 105.24