The Phasmid Study Group

Newsletter No. 110 June 2007 ISSN 0268-3806

Above Left: Agamemmon cornutus Natalie Ford

News, Information & Updates ...... 2 Editorial...... 3 Diary Dates ...... 3 Sticks In The News ...... 4 The Phasmida Species File (phasmida.orthoptera.org) - Statistics...... 4 Wants & Exchange List ...... 5 StickTalk ...... 6 PSG Summer Meeting Agenda - Saturday, 14th July 2007 ...... 8 Culture List Survey 2007 ...... 9 PSG Summer Meeting - Saturday, 14th JULY 2007 ...... 11 Articles & Contributions ...... 12 Extension of Livestock Labels for Meetings...... 12 The Kettering Entomological Fair 2007...... 13 A Way Of Life (An Autobiography)...... 14 The Old Curiosity Shop ...... 15

The Newsletter of The Phasmid Study Group #110

Lord Howe Island

By now I am sure that most people are familiar with the story of the Lord Howe Island Stick . The species was endemic to Lord Howe Island (below) until the introduction of rats following the introduction of rats in 1918 (escaping from the sinking freight ship Makambo).

The last recording of live stick was made in the early 1920s, and it was presumed to be extinct. Until that is, it was found again on a small island called Ball’s Pyramid (left).

Just how small this island is many people fail to realise – around 200m in length, and just over 560m in height. It is the remains of a volcano that existed 7 million years ago, and is some 20km from Lord Howe Island.

Before the introduction of rats, the insects were abundant enough to be used as fishing bait on the Island and this is one possible reason why the insects were found on the Pyramid – by any measure, it’s a far from an ideal habitat.

Submitting Images Photographs and artworks are welcomed from anybody. They may be submitted to me via e-mail or by post (addresses in Committee section). Drawings should be finished in Indian or black ink for best reproduction.

2 www.stickinsect.org.uk March 2007 The Newsletter of The Phasmid Study Group #110 News, Information & Updates

Editorial Ed Baker (Editor)

The old saying “things get easier with time” has proved to be half right. This edition of the newsletter was a breeze to put together compared to the last. While this may be a good thing, I cannot help thinking that is mainly due to the lack of contributions I have received.

So with the exception of all those who regularly take the time to make sure something ends up on the Editor’s desk I would encourage you all to write something! It really isn’t that difficult, and unless you write an extended article shouldn’t take up a huge amount of time.

This issue is rather short and focuses mainly on the upcoming Summer Meeting and the Phasma species return. I did start an article on the basics of phasmid (after many people have requested an explanation on why names keep changing) but unfortunately this will now be in the next Newsletter (because I didn’t have enough contributions to warrant having 20 pages in this issue). If you want more well-rounded newsletters then please send me material!

I have already mentioned the Phasma species report. I would urge as many of you as possible to send it in. Feel free to send it to me if you’d prefer and I’ll send a bulk lot (might save you a few pennies). If you don’t want to ruin(!) your newsletter then I can e-mail you a copy to print out.

Since last time the main event in the phasmid world has been the three day Phasma meeting. Despite a few requests no article was forthcoming, so I have devoted much of the StickTalk section to this. I have only heard praise for this event, and would like to congratulate the Phasma team on behalf of all those PSG members who made the trip to Veurne. By all accounts it was a complete success.

I would like to thank Tom Low for his assistance with proof-reading the newsletters – his comments and advice have been very useful, as have those of Paul Brock, Phil Bragg and Judith Marshall. The newsletter really is a team effort!

Finally an apology for not including the Summer Meeting date in the last newsletter, but I did try and get the word out to as many people as possible via e-mail and StickTalk. I would also like to apologise for the lack of the Wants & Exchange list last time. Janine and I had a few communication problems with e-mail and old addresses – but all has now been resolved. Diary Dates All event information has been accepted as bona fide, however we recommend checking with the organisers closer to the date of the event.

Sunday 10th June 2007 - Newark Entomological Fair Grove Leisure Centre, Balderton, near Newark, Notts. (12.00 noon to 4pm) (Winter Fair Sunday2nd Dec). For more details or to book tables (£10 each) contact Paul Holton 01636 674 723 or 07901 577 251 or e-mail: [email protected]

Saturday 14th July 2007 – PSG Summer Meeting Details and agenda in this Newsletter

If you know of any other events, or you are organising one then please contact the Newsletter Editor with details so that it can be included in this list.

Members Area at www.stickinsect.org.uk Username: PSGmembers Password: Aniscantha080

March 2007 www.stickinsect.org.uk 3

The Newsletter of The Phasmid Study Group #110 Sticks In The News

May 2007 http://www.abc.net.au/sydney/stories/s1918482.htm?backyard – A podcast on the life cycle of stick insects and a phasmid quiz. http://www.independent.com/news/2007/may/24/photographs-tom-miller-and-dennis-sheridan-brooks-/ - The head and egg of a phasmid form part of this contemporary artwork.

Many thanks to the person who sent me these links via e-mail – if possible could you e-mail me again with your name? [Ed}

The Committee CHAIRMAN Judith Marshall Department of Entomology, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD (T:020 79 425610; F:020 79 425229; E:[email protected])

TREASURER/MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Paul Brock “Papillon”, 40 Thorndike Road, Slough, Berks, SL2 1SR (T:01753 579447 after 5pm; E:[email protected])

NEWSLETTER EDITOR Edward Baker 34 Rycroft, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 4HG (T:07835 294925; E:[email protected])

PHASMID STUDIES EDITOR Phil Bragg 8 The Lane, Awsworth, Nottinghamshire, NG16 2QP (T:01159 305010)

EXHIBITION & MEETING OFFICER Paul Jennings 89 Brackensdale Avenue, Derby, DE22 4AF (T:01332 343477)

LIVESTOCK COORDINATOR Janine Fletcher 125 Malvern Drive, North Common, Warmley, Bristol, BS30 8UY (T:01179 604917)

LIBRARIAN David Robinson (T:01908 653493; E:[email protected])

PSG Membership The current annual subscription rate is £12 (UK), £14 (Europe) and £15 (rest of the world). If you know anybody how would like to join the group then an application form is available from Paul Brock (address above).

The Phasmida Species File (phasmida.orthoptera.org) - Statistics Ed Baker (Editor)

Authors 706 Publications 841 References 1860 Citations 21260 Depositories 412 Images total: 139 unique taxa: 37 Sound recordings total: 1 unique taxa: 1 End points in keys total: 0 unique taxa: 0 Specimen records total: 5012 unique taxa: 2800 Families total: 15 valid: 13; not valid: 2 Subfamilies total: 33 valid: 29; not valid: 4 Tribes total: 64 valid: 60; not valid: 4 Genera total: 590 valid: 437; not valid: 153 Species total: 3314 valid: 2748; not valid: 566 Subspecies total: 128 valid: 93; not valid: 35 Taxa at all levels total: 4195 valid: 3424; not valid: 771

This data is correct as of 01 June 2007.

4 www.stickinsect.org.uk March 2007 The Newsletter of The Phasmid Study Group #110 Wants & Exchange List Janine Fletcher (Livestock Coordinator)

Janine advises that she has received very little livestock recently, so more is definitely welcomed. Please contact Janine before sending nymphs so special arrangements can be made. The following are available:

Eggs 1, 9, 14, 23, 30, 72, 73, 85, 103, 126, 145, 181, 183, 190, 195, 221, 224, 255, 258, 259, 260, 264, 267, 268, 270, 272, 279 & 278.

Nymphs 1, 23, 32, 84, 165, 181, 192, 224, 236, 248 & 270.

Janine advises that she has received very little livestock recently, so more is definitely welcomed. Please contact Janine before sending nymphs so special arrangements can be made.

Free Drawers Judith Marshall (Chairman)

For some years the Entomology Department at the Natural History Museum has been replacing all non-standard drawers, and we have now reached the last of the plastic drawers: 50cm x 30cm x 6cm with a removable clear lid and plastazote inlay - may be examined at the summer meeting. A number are available to members, on a collection-only basis. Please contact me to place an order if you are interested.

Judith’s contact details are in the Committee section [Ed]

Blattodea Culture Group

The Blattodea Culture Group is a similar organisation to the PSG but is dedicated to studying and rearing cockroaches. Membership gives you access to livestock of over 120 cockroach species and contact with fellow enthusiasts world-wide through regular membership lists. The BCG publishes a journal, Cockroach Studies, twice yearly which includes scientific papers and short notes on culturing cockroaches and their biology. The first issue was widely circulated in PDF format and the second issue is currently in press. This issue will only be made available in printed format, and only to members. It will include an article about the Blattodea Species File (BSF) by George Beccaloni. The BSF is identical in format to the familiar Phasmida Species File and contains information about world cockroaches. The information is currently still being transferred into the BSF, but a lot of work has already been completed. If you would like to have a look it is available online at http://blattodea.speciesfile.org.

If you want to join the Blattodea Culture Group, annual subscriptions are 20 Euros/£14 for EU members, or 30 Euros/£21 for non-EU members. Subscriptions from UK members should be sent by cheque in Sterling to the UK Membership Secretary (Judith Marshall, address in PSG Committee Section), whilst EU and overseas members should send payment in Euros to the EU Membership Secretary Roland Dusi in Germany. This can be sent by PayPal to [email protected] or by cheque (in Euros) made payable to "The Blattodea Culture Group". A membership form is not essential but one can be downloaded from http://www.bcg- online.com/media/BCG%20Member.pdf However you pay please ensure to include your name, address and contact details!

March 2007 www.stickinsect.org.uk 5

The Newsletter of The Phasmid Study Group #110 StickTalk

Moira The Phasma Expo was absolutely wonderful and the meeting was exceptional in every respect. I have re- played Jacques Potvin's slide show at least twenty times ... and cried.

Attached are some photographs of Veurne. I got up early and took the photographs before the Expo opened on Saturday. One photograph shows the Noordvaart Canal. Karlijn and I visited Nieupoort on Saturday afternoon.

The stick insect Necroscia annulipes was stunning, but only one of many... over 160 different species of stick insect on display.

Kristien Dear Moira , dear all,

Our 3 days event wasn't only a meeting but also an exhibition. We made a lot of publicity in advance, which is necessary when you plan to do something like this. We have in Phasma a real nice workgroup and that's necessary to realise things like this.

It was a great success, but we put a lot of energy into it. Every member from Phasma had the occasion to take cages with and we tried to show as many species as possible and we became the result from 173 species!!!

Veurne is a small city not far from the coast so very touristy. We had at least 2500 visitors and the last days the schools. The children enjoyed it a lot.

All members from Phasma wore a badge made by Moira (thank you again), so they helped with explication around. We had 5 very interesting talks and if we had more time there would be more.

As we live in Veurne and have many species it was possible to realise such an exhibition. The location was, as you can see on the photographs from Moira, very beautiful. The opening with the mayor was a fantastic start and we had the time to thank all the good help.

It is good to open up meetings to the public. This was of course an exception and it must be possible for PSG in the NHM as many people visit this museum during the meeting not knowing that there are live phasmids...but the doors are very closed.

We are really happy with the results and reactions from our exhibition and meeting and now we can enjoy!! Thanks to all the people from Phasma and PSG for the support.

Rinni Hi everyone, It's funny people mentioned stick insects resembling fairies, as when I first started keeping them my younger sister who was then about 2 years old wouldn't stop calling them fairies, so I think it is entirely possible they inspired the idea.

I am having trouble keeping my insects contained at the moment, I was away on a camp for a week and it would of course be the time we got some humid weather and my T. childrenii ova started to hatch - my mum didn't know what to do so opened the lid and sat the container full of eggs into my large cage where my adults live... now we are finding them all over the house because they escaped out the cracks before I moved them into the smaller, more escape-proof cage. I was ironing last night and found one on the clothes, then on a curtain as I was closing it, then my sister freaked out when she scratched her head and found a hatchling climbing around up there... one had even managed to make it down the corridor to the stairwell, a good ten metres from the cage...they were everywhere!!! Gathered up twenty five or so, hopefully the last of the escape artists and a couple of the older ones have now made it to second and third instars - very exciting!

6 www.stickinsect.org.uk March 2007 The Newsletter of The Phasmid Study Group #110 The other exciting thing is that the three Ctenomorpha marginipennis that I collected up in the hills here in South (by myself, I am very proud to say) have reached maturity, so hopefully I may be able to breed some.

Anna Is it just me, or does the name wulfingii make other people hum James Bond songs? 'Wulfingii (trumpet bit) he's the stick, the stick with the woolly touch'? Like Shirley Bassey? Goldfinger? No? Just me then?

ChrisR I posted the other day about my Raphiderus and their funny smelly ways - still interested to know how other people's smell. Well I was totally wrong about the smell providing olfactory ... I have a window box on my kitchen windowsill, a big hefty number with permanent planting of succulents, cacti and South African bulbs (it's very sheltered in central London hence the cactus) and is also home to a colony of black garden ants. I like ants and always know when spring has really sprung because they start their busy ways BUT I did not expect to get home after work to discover a long line of slow ants - it's still chilly of an evening - heading to my bug case. Taking the front off revealed a multitude of very fast ants (at 21c they're quick!) working their way through my Raphiderus! The male was in pieces, 1 female dead and the other just being started on - though a bit nibbled she's fine after a rapid rescue. None of the other species had been touched, the ants obviously like it Hypericum marinated! The window-box is now balanced on 2 flower pots in water bowls to keep them enclosed - blighters!

Phil Kahler I started raising Phyllium philippines in my classroom last school year. The original female I acquired was yellow and the male was green. When their ova hatched I watched carefully to see if I would end up with any yellow males. It appeared that some of the young males were going to be yellow, but as they grew older they always turned green. I ended up with lots of yellow adult females and no adult yellow males. I'm just wondering if anyone has ever seen a yellow adult male of this species. The person who gave me my original pair has never seen a yellow male either.

Derek TP A couple of weeks ago I realised I had an apparent gynandromorph amongst my Carausius morosus (PSG #1) culture; had been meaning to take a pic of it for the list, when along came the PSG newsletter with a picture of just such an insect! Anyway, here's my effort - it's so exciting to finally have a "male" Indian!

AlexPan In my experience, when importing Live Phasmids, is that Customs will make odd check ups to see if the declared parcel is what it is. I have lost 2, almost 3 parcels in 5 years to customs. Two of them were going to US and one was coming from US. In all of these 3 cases, I got a letter in my mail from Customs stating that they got Stick Insects and they would be destroyed if I was not to call. When I called them, they asked what was in the parcel that was coming in US, I said "T- Shirts I was sending these for my friend" It was actually a female Orchid mantis. They said that the parcel had been opened and they found a "Cricket", lol! I told them that I was not aware of that and if they would send it back, I will try to investigate and see what it is. So, customs sent it back to me, and I sent it out again the following week. This time it went thru. Though the two parcels coming into Canada were not so lucky.

I never (not yet, lol) got anything more than a letter from Customs about those intercepted parcels. After words, they parcels that were going to the same person were intercepted again after a month and again after 3 months. Lucky enough, those times I was able to talk them into sending the parcel back to me ! I think perhaps they flag the address of the receiver? Because I shipped to my other buddy in the US at the same time and he received them with no problem.

I do not think Canada is anywhere as strict as US on Phasmids [don't be so sure about that], though I do hear a lot of people saying that they are illegal and even one pet store got almost shut down because they were selling Phasmids.

In my conclusion, always make sure you have the correct facility for keeping and disposing of Phasmids. Follow the basic rules: Have a fine mesh on the windows, a solid floor, two doors with the inner one being a glass door to ensure none of them get out of the facility, a freezer to freeze everything for at least 48 hours prior to taking it out of the facility.

If followed these quite easy steps, it is easy to ensure that the Phasmids do not get out, after all, that is what the USDA and Customs are worried about. And if they should come by, you will have everything properly enclosed and all you will need to get is permits to keep these insects, which does not cost that much and takes only 1- 2 weeks to acquire. Of course this will not be possible if you do not have a Zoo or a University to refer to, so it is always good to make some friends there !

March 2007 www.stickinsect.org.uk 7

The Newsletter of The Phasmid Study Group #110 PSG Summer Meeting Agenda - Saturday, 14th July 2007

DOROTHEA BATE ROOM (Formerly Palaeontology Demonstration Room), NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, CROMWELL ROAD, LONDON, ENGLAND (FREE PUBLIC ENTRY* members may also walk round the excellent museum if they wish)

AGENDA (Any item may be reviewed on the day. Please help us run on time)

11.30am – 11.35pm. WELCOME, and introduction to the various stands and activities taking place.

11.35am - 12.30pm. ARRIVALS & INFORMAL GATHERING: Members are encouraged to exchange ideas and experiences, and view the displays, and merchandise. Exhibitors may put on display their Phylliidae (by 12.30, please)**. Jungle Nymph competitors to register their entries (by 12.30 please)***. You are welcome to have a go at the Wordsearch – a special prize for the first to complete it!

For Committee Members: Committee Meeting (bring your agenda & minutes).

12.30pm - 1.15pm. Illustrated Talk on “Christmas Trip to Borneo” by Phil Bragg.

1.15pm – 1.45pm. Lunch**** and viewing of exhibits, displays, and merchandise, and a chance to have a go at the Wordsearch.

1.45pm – 2.00pm Introduction to, and a discussion on, the guest species Phylliidae by Judith Marshall**.

2.00pm – 2.15pm Results of the Jungle Nymph competition, by George Beccaloni ***.

2.15pm – 3.00pm Talk on “Phasma Expo, A 3-Day Event Never to Forget” led by Kristien Rabaey and Rob Simeons.

3.00pm – 3.30pm Question and Answer Panel, bring your questions to the experts.

3.30pm - 4.00pm Livestock Exchange*****, and final viewing of displays, etc.

4.00pm – 4.30pm. Further informal gathering, competitors and exhibitors collect their entries, leftover livestock***** should be taken back by the contributor (please check).

*You are requested to bring this sheet with you for security reasons to ensure access to the meeting room (bring in the whole Newsletter, or a photocopy of the appropriate page, if you do not want to tear the page out). The agenda will also help you follow the proceedings.

**The subject of display at this meeting is the family Phylliidae - the amazing leaf insects. There are no rules for the display, just bring in your favourite specimens male, female, adults and/or nymphs, in a suitable container with food, labelled however you wish but to include your name, PSG No, and a few details about your specimen(s), please.

***The competition could not be easier, just bring along your Jungle Nymphs (Heteropteryx dilatata) on the day, in a suitable container. Registration details etc will be fully explained in the meeting room. Please bring in any of your specimens, so we can compare notes and have a good display, though of course the main purpose of the competition is to find the heaviest specimen (likely to be an adult female laden with eggs), and the judge's decision is final. Thanks to George Beccaloni for arranging this competition.

**** Tea, coffee, squash, and biscuits will be available all day (from about 10 am), for a voluntary contribution, in the meeting room (courtesy of Judith). Food shops are available in the museum, offering good food at reasonable prices, but there may be queues. You are welcome to bring your own lunch, to eat in the meeting room or in the museum. You may also “donate” cakes, biscuits, etc, if you wish.

*****You are reminded to follow the rules as laid down concerning the Livestock Exchange: e.g. livestock should be given some foodstuff, and their container be clearly labelled with their name & PSG number; the food plant they are being fed on, and your name & PSG number. See also Chris Pull’s article (in this June Newsletter) on possible additional information. Please don't forget to check before you leave that all of your livestock has been distributed and, if not, take them back with you. Do not overcrowd the sticks, but also please use reasonably-sized containers (not too big), and do not spread the spare stock over too many different containers (especially common species). Please remain in your normal seats throughout the session – i.e. do not crowd round, or obscure, the livestock table during livestock distribution. Many thanks.

8 www.stickinsect.org.uk March 2007 The Newsletter of The Phasmid Study Group #110 Phasma Culture List Survey 2007 Dear all, every year we send this list to all our members. With this list we want to update which species of phasmids are still in culture. This is very important for the species that are about to be lost. With the September newsletter edition of PSG and Phasma, we will give the results. This encourages people to take care of their endangered cultures.

X (cross): an established culture.  (point): a tentative culture. Species not on this list can be added at the bottom.

psg nr species 103 Sipyloidea sp. THAILAND 8 1 Carausius morosus 110 Hoploclonia gecko 2 Pseudodiacantha macklottii 112 Haaniella muelleri 3 Bacillus rossius 113 Dyme sp. Ecuador 4 Sipyloidea sipylus 115 Paramyronides sp. 5 Medauroidea extradentata 116 Pseudophasma bispinosum 6 Acanthoxyla prasina 117 Dares ulula 9 Extatosoma tiaratum 118 Aretaon asperrimus 11 Cladomorphus phyllinus 119 Lonchodes jejunus 12 Anisomorpha buprestoides 120 Carausius cristatus 13 Acrophylla wuelfingi 122 Anisomorpha paromalus 14 goliath 125 Haaniella grayii 15 Ctenomorphodes briareus 126 Haaniella dehaanii 17 Caribbiopheromera jamaicana 127 Lonchodes megabeast 18 Heteropteryx dilatata 138 Lonchodes modestus 19 Lonchodes brevipes 144 Ramulus sp. 23 Eurycantha calcarata calcarata 145 Paramenexenus laetus 25 Phobaeticus serratipes 151 Asceles margaritatus 26 Haaniella echinata 152 Phanocloidea nodulosa 28 Eurycnema versirubra 154 29 Lonchodes imitator 157 Ramulus sp. 31 Creoxylus spinosus 158 Ramulus sp. 32 Ocnophiloidea regularis 164 Parapachymorpha spiniger 35 Diapheromera femorata 165 Hoploclonia abercrombiei 37 perakensis 166 Dinophasma saginatum 38 Dares validispinus 169 Lonchodes mindanaensis 44 Eurycantha calcarata spp. 170 Phanocloidea muricata 45 Clonopsis gallica 171 Rynchacris ornata 52 Alienobostra brocki 173 Neohirasea maerens 58 Pharnacia sumatrana 174 Lopahus caesius 61 Haplopus micropterus 176 Lonchodes geniculatus 66 Carausius sanguineoligatus 177 Haaniella saussurei 69 Dares verrucosus 179 Clonaria fritzchei 70 Haaniella scabra 181 Lonchodes cultratolobatus 72 Phyllium giganteum 182 Oxyartes honestus 73 Phenacephorus cornucervi 183 Sceptrophasma hispidulum 79 Bostra aetolus 186 Chondrosthetus woodfordi 82 Rhaphiderus spinigerus 188 Oxyartes spinipennis 83 Rhaphiderus scabrosus 189 Pseudophasma acanthonotum 84 Oreophoetes peruana 190 Phasma gigas 85 Pseudophasma rufipes 192 Orestes mouhotii 89 Sosibia parvipennis 195 Sungaya inexpectata 90 Ramphosipyloidea gorkomi 198 Anisomorpha ferruginea 99 Epidares nolimetangere 199 Hoploclonia cuspidata 100 Lonchodes amaurops 200 Lonchodes malleti 101 Lamponius guerini

March 2007 www.stickinsect.org.uk 9

The Newsletter of The Phasmid Study Group #110 202 Medaura jobrensis 270 Peruphasma schultei 203 Pharnacia biceps 271 Lopaphus sp. THAILAND 205 Phaenopharos struthioneus 272 Spinohirasea bengalensis 208 Pharnacia jianfenglingensis 273 Ramulus irregulariterdentatus 210 Myronides magnificus 274 Dyme mamillata 211 Cuniculina sp. BANGLADESH 275 Rugosolibethra sp. 212 mitratus 276 Sypiloidea meneptolemus 213 Malacomorpha jamaicana 277 Phobaeticus heusii 214 Haplopus jamaicensis 278 Phyllium (Phyllium) sp. PHILIPPINES 215 Phaenopharos khaoyaiensis 279 unidentified Necrosciinae 216 Medaura scabriuscula 280 Bacteria sp. Panama 217 Lopaphus trilineatus 281 Pterinoxylus crassus 218 Clonaria luethyi Anchiale sp. 219 Cuniculina sp. BANGLADESH 2 Anisacantha difformis 220 Malacomorpha cyllarum Anisomorphini sp. Cuba 221 Sceptrophasma langkawicence Asceles sp THAILAND, KO TAU 223 Rhamphosipyloidea philippa Calynda coronata 224 Parapachymorpha zomproi Calynda sp. COSTA RICA 225 Clonaria conformans Carausius globosus 227 Entoria koshunensis Diapherodes venustula 230 Carausius sp. Dinophasma sp. 231 Abrosoma festinatum Dyme sp. PERU 233 Neopromachus doreyanus Eucarcharus feruloides 234 Xylica oedematosa Eurycnema osiris 235 Brasidas samarensis Lamponius dominicae 236 Dimorphodes catenulatus Lamponius sp. Laos 237 Pseudosermyle phalangiphora Leiophasma sp. Madagascar 238 Dinophasma kinabaluense Lonchodes sp. Philippines 240 Lamponius portoricensis Necroscia annulipes 241 Carausius spinosus Ocnophiloidea dillerorum 242 Neohirasea hongkongensis Phasmotaenia australe 243 Entoria victoria Pseudodatames sp. Madagascar 246 Lonchodes rusticus Pseudodatames sp. MadagascarFD 248 Pylaemenes guangxiensis Pseudophasma sp. Peru 249 Metriophasma diocles 250 Bacteria ferula 251 Ramulus sp 252 Lopaphus sp. Thailand

254 Ramulus magnus 255 Trachyaretaon bruekneri Name:…………………………………………… 256 Orxines semperi Date:…………………………….. 258 Parectatosoma mocquerysi 259 Pseudophasma menius Please send this form before the 15th of July 260 Diapherodes gigantea to: Jan en Leen Verleyen, Valkenstraat,38 9660 261 Canachus alligator 262 Stheneboea repudiosa Brakel (Belgium) 263 Bacteria yersiniana 264 Pseudophasma velutinum Or by email: [email protected] 265 Abrosoma johorensis Thank you very much for your cooperation! 266 Agamemnon cornutus Kristien and Rob 267 Asceles sp.THAILAND, SALOK 268 Leiophasma lucubense 269 Pseudophasma castaneum

10 www.stickinsect.org.uk March 2007 The Newsletter of The Phasmid Study Group PSG Summer Meeting - Saturday, 14th JULY 2007 Mike Smith ([email protected])

Introduction Many thanks to everyone who took the time to complete the survey form at the Winter PSG Meeting. It was one of the best represented surveys we have ever had, with well over half of the attendees completing a form. While every effort will be made to introduce any changes or additions the members seek, we need to be mindful of our resources, and that many members like the present format of the meetings, so please do not expect too much to happen all at once.

The Results The most popular item was the talks, with by far the majority of members being “Very Keen” or “Interested” in talks on all the subjects listed. However, by a fair margin, the subject of “Identification of Phasmids” was the most wanted, and a talk on this has been arranged for this Summer Meeting, and maybe more will follow at other meetings.

The next most sought after item was a table of possible food plants, to assist in their identification. Perhaps this could become a regular feature of future meetings, but I’ve arranged nothing for this Summer Meeting.

Next in popularity came “Videos of Talks”. This was intended to cover videoing the talks at our meetings, for use by members who could not attend, for other organisations’ meetings use e.g. Phasma, and possibly for onward sale to others. Also, for relevant talks from other organisations (e.g. at Phasma) to be videoed for showing at our PSG meetings. As there was such a huge interest in this, I suggest a working party be set up to look into all aspects of the subject (not least copyrights), and to decide if it is viable. HOWEVER, first of all we need to check if an amateur video of a talk at our meeting will be of an adequate quality for further use. If not then idea is definitely not yet viable. THEREFORE, if anyone is willing and able to video one of our talks at this Summer Meeting (ie they have a camcorder and tripod – and ideally previous experience), then please let me know, then we can possibly arrange for a sample video to be made for the purpose of checking its technical quality.

The written quiz idea had a modest interest, and Derek Pattenson has kindly provided one for this Summer Meeting – and has even offered a prize to the first to complete it.

All the subjects covered in the survey had many members being “Very Keen” or “Interested”; though the raffle idea, and the table of non-phasmid critters idea, also attracted many “Neutral” or “Do Not Wants”.

“Comments” included: “Exhibition of new sticks”, “Special subject stick displays” (we have these already, at this meeting the subject is Phylliidae, “More stick merchandise”, “Welcome and introduction to new members or first time attendees”, “Plants and cages for sale”, and general comments that the livestock exchange sticks offered should have more information given on them – something Chris Pull has kindly agreed to look into. Subsequent to the survey, a number of members commented that they would like to see some PSG meetings at places other than London, for various good reasons. This will need a bit of time to look a properly, but it is an interesting idea that will be considered.

Conclusion I hope you all enjoy this Summer Meeting and find it has many items of interest. The main points are:

On arrival at the Dorothea Bate Room, make out a name tag/label for yourself so everyone will know who you are.

If you have brought in an entry for the Jungle Nymph competition, look for the table, and follow the directions on how to take part. All entries to be in place by 12.30pm, please. Any queries then look for George Beccaloni. If you have brought in any Phylliidae for the special display, look for this table, and just put your stick on display.

If you have brought in any items for the livestock exchange table, look for this table, and leave your livestock there. Most probably it will be manned by Janine and her helpers, if so, hand the livestock to them.

If you wish to have a go at the word-search Competition, look for the sheets (they will probably be on the table by the name labels). As soon as you finish the competition find or call out for Derek Pattenson, and claim your prize. (If no-one completes the competition on the day, then take it home with you and finish it there, the first to e-mail me that they have completed it - by giving the name of the stick the leftover letters spell - will get the prize).

There will also be a merchandise table, including autographed stick books at reduced prices – first come first served; there may be limited supplies so get in quick. Don’t forget the refreshment table, available all day from around 10am. Just help yourself and enjoy. Leave any voluntary payments on the plate provided. You are welcome to donate say cakes and biscuits to the table if you wish.

Finally, all too often it is the same people taking part in the activities of the day, with non-participants complaining about lack of entries eg for the special display. SO PLEASE, DO MAKE THE EFFORT TO BRING IN YOUR JUNGLE NYMPHS, PHYLLIIDAE, SPARE LIVESTOCK, (AND QUESTIONS), they do not have to be special, members just love to see other people’s sticks. Please help to make the day a success. If you have any comments on the day, let me know. March 2007 www.stickinsect.org.uk 11 The Newsletter of The Phasmid Study Group #109 Articles & Contributions

Extension of Livestock Labels for Meetings Christopher Pull

In recent years the group has experienced a boom in the number of species now being kept by members, and the number of new species being added to culture list is increasing almost monthly. As members who attend meetings know, there is always a very wide variety of species available, with enough for everyone to go home hands full. However, this has led to a lack of knowledge about the new species coming into the group, and so people can have a hard time trying to find the necessary information they need to keep the species in culture. It has been asked if a selection of care sheets could be produced for the meetings, which can be supplied to members about the species they have acquired in the exchange. They would be brief, but informative providing all the information required to successfully keeping the species. Such a task will take time, so it has been suggested whether the livestock labelling could be extended to provide more information about the species in the mean time.

Currently, all that is required is the name and PSG number of the insect, the food plants and the number and name of the supplier. It would be greatly appreciated if members could find the time to expand on this, to include the humidity and temperature requirements, the size of the adult insects, (to determine what cage size is required,) the breeding method, culture status, whether they are winged and whether the insect is capable of defending it’s self (e.g. spraying of chemicals in some species, or the aggressiveness of Heteropteryx dilatata,) and any other information that new owners should be aware of, for example, the laying habits of the female insects.

I am aware that some members barely find the time to label species with the present required information, but it would greatly improve the livestock exchange system, making it easier for all members to care for their newly required species, especially those that are new to the hobby, or those who don’t have the resources to hunt for the necessary information.

An example of what we would like to be included is provided below:

Please don’t feel you cannot bring your livestock in, or that we’ll judge you if you cannot find the time to provide all the above information. We understand that members may not have the time, but even if you could quickly jot down the humidity and temperature requirements, that would be a great start.

Lastly, if anyone has any comments or suggestions regarding the labelling or proposed care sheet system, please contact me on my new email address: [email protected].

12 www.stickinsect.org.uk March 2007 The Newsletter of The Phasmid Study Group The Kettering Entomological Fair 2007 Christopher Pull

I was asked by David Sanderson if my grandfather and I could assist with the running of the PSG stall at this year’s show, along with fellow member Stephen, whose last name I’ve forgotten. We of course obliged and set off Sunday morning to the fair. It was to be held, as it has been for some time, at the Kettering Leisure complex, which boasts a huge hall for the exhibitors to show off their stock. I was impressed with the size of the venue, which allowed visitors to easily view the stalls without crowding - a problem I find at the AES Kempton show.

We had two tables at the show that had a display of several phasmid species, including , Pharnacia biceps, Spinohirasea bengalensis, Haaniella grayii, Peruphasma schultei and others. There was a tray of Diapherodes gigantea eggs and several hatchlings, which were very popular. David had also brought along some Proscopia, a type of grasshopper which uses similar stick-like camouflage. On the tables were many application forms, a range of newsletters, including the first and the latest issues, showing prospective members how the group has developed and some framed Phyllium species. David had also produced some detailed care sheets which people could read to gain an idea of species care.

We thought we would try a different approach to other displays, where the insects are in tanks. Instead, our display saw the insects loose on lengths of bramble, allowing viewers to get a close up look. We also let people hold the insects, as well as providing a magnifying glass for people to get a close up view. Janine and a few others dropped off their surplus stock, which we quickly passed on to potential members with an application form, for a small donation.

There were many other exhibitors there on the day, some of which are well known in the entomological trade. The stalls included Bugz UK, Curtis Lankin, Small Life Supplies, Metamorphosis, Natural World Experience, The Spider Shop, Bug Nation, and many others. A very wide range of creatures were up for sale, including phasmids, thousands of spiders and tarantulas, cockroaches, snails, land hermit crabs, Lepidoptera of all stages, praying mantis, katydids, a few other Orthoptera and scorpions. There were also stalls selling books, many set specimens, tanks and containers, food plants, live food, substrates and other equipment. On one stall (I forget the name of the company) there was the most monstrous crab for sale, which must have had a carapace of 30cm, and chelae of equal length. It was easily one of he most impressive invertebrates I had ever seen, although I think I’d be too scared to ever own such a scary ‘pet’!

On the phasmid front, I think Curtis’ stall (assisted by our own Janine,) was the only one that focused predominantly on them, and had a wide range of species. I was impressed by the quality of his insects and the professionalism of his stall. I came away with several bargains, after a lot of arm twisting! (Thanks again, Curtis.) The rest of the stalls had the usual species, e.g. Eurycantha spp., Carausius morosus, Phaenopharos khaoyaiensis etc. I noticed many stalls now selling Peruphasma schultei and Phaenopharos khaoyaiensis, so it’s good to see there is no shortage of such stunning insects.

From the show, I brought a group of Pterinoxylus crassus nymphs, several Anisomorpha paromalus nymphs to boost my culture, two glass tanks that had been greatly reduced due to being damaged, (although I’ve made good use of them,) a number of St Martin’s Katydid (Phoebolampta species?) and finally I was given a sub adult pair of Phoebacticus maximus, all of which are doing well.

The PSG stall made around £24 from donations, and many of the application forms went. We were kept very busy until the last few hours when the whole hall calmed down and fewer people were present. All in all I think it was a very good day out, and well worth the two hour car journey there. I can recommend the show to anybody, although don’t expect there to be such a wide range of insects as at other exhibitions, i.e. the AES. We will be there again next year!

March 2007 www.stickinsect.org.uk 13 The Newsletter of The Phasmid Study Group #109

A Way Of Life (An Autobiography) Ron Baxter

It is now 1945 and I have now left school aged 14. I wanted to do so many things for a living. The problem being what avenue should I go down? I wanted to be a photographer, a writer, a cabinet maker but above all, I wanted to work with insects. My parents were very understanding and allowed me to spend a year working out what I wanted to do. With this time to come to a decision, I was able map out my future. Firstly, I had to work with insects, and so I decided to become an Entomological Dealer. I would supply butterflies and moths to collectors and museums, etc. I would also breed them and, hopefully, supply schools and private individuals with them. All this seemed highly feasible. At the same time, I had not forgotten about wanting to be a writer. Could I combine the two? I decided that I could.

I was browsing through a magazine one day, when I came upon an advertisement for the Tutorial Institute, in London. The advertisement was for a correspondence course in Freelance Article Writing .The advertisement was tempting, especially as there was a guarantee that if you have not recovered the cost of the course by the time you have completed it, your money would be refunded. Since the course fees were reasonable, I decided that it was well worth enrolling. During the time I took to complete the course I had had a short piece published in the now defunct ‘Daily Sketch’. I received eight guineas payment. The course cost six guineas. Profit £2. I was a writer!

I wrote several more pieces and sent them to various magazines but all I received were rejection slips. With one rejection slip was a note from the editor stating that he liked the piece but it required illustrations. The plate camera I had was not really suitable and by now modern 35mm. cameras were available. I purchased an Edixa Reflex camera – the cheapest in the range and without automatic metering, as I already had an exposure meter. The camera produced excellent pictures and I spent a great deal of my time writing and taking photos to illustrate them. But I was not having much success. A cheque here and there was not going to be enough so I transferred my energies to becoming an Entomological Dealer.

With this venture, I had to begin all over again. I knew that such dealers had existed in the past and one or two were still in existence. My problem was, however, where and how do I obtain stock to resell. I found several names and addresses of dealers offering stock in a German Insect Trade paper. One such dealer was in India. I wrote for a list and received it two months later. Some of the butterflies were as little as 3d.each (about 1 p). I bought an assortment of medium to large showy species all priced at 3d.each. Three months later the box arrived, having been sent by surface mail. To my delight, the specimens were superb. There were large green and black ‘Swallowtails,’ others were chocolate brown with green areas and large white butterflies with orange tips – just like our native orange tip, only much larger. The selection was superb.

Fortunately, they were named as this enabled me to make up a professional-looking list. I had the list printed and advertised the specimens in various journals. The response was very good as many collectors were wishing to buy tropical insects now that the war was over. I received several second orders accompanied with favourable comments about my service and the quality of the specimens. I don’t suppose anyone realised that they were dealing with a fifteen year old boy.

14 www.stickinsect.org.uk March 2007 The Newsletter of The Phasmid Study Group The Old Curiosity Shop

Above Left: Two headed nymph of PSG1 Above Right: Ecuadorian phasmid

Puzzle Chrissie McCarthy

G E W G P R Z A O P Q Y WORDS TO LOOK FOR: N F F U C H S I A U J R BEECH X O C S D O E C K S R K BRAMBLE W H B J F D L O C J A T FERN FUCHSIA O H R D L O W V B D S J IVY L I A F T D B V M Y P O RASPBERRY L K M B B E E C H C B Z RHODODENDRON ROSE I Q B Q V N V I P W E L WILLOW W I L T I D M E A E R X A Z E G N R S R H D R K A T X H C O F M I V Y N S Y F E R N R K B E I V

March 2007 www.stickinsect.org.uk 15 The Newsletter of The Phasmid Study Group #109

Top Left: Veurne Street Scene Above Left: Acanthoxyla geisovii (Rob, Sticktalk) Above & Left: from ‘Kettering Show’ Below: Phasma meeting in Veurne

16 www.stickinsect.org.uk March 2007