Peruvian black velvet stick insect (Peruphasma schultei)

Short answers

Peruvian black velvet stick insect: How big does the enclosure need to be?

30×30×30 cm (a pair or small group; taller is better, ~80 cm is ideal), well ventilated.

Peruvian black velvet stick insect: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–25 °C, at night ~18–20 °C.

Peruvian black velvet stick insect: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

Peruvian black velvet stick insect: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 12 months.

Peruvian black velvet stick insect: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

20–25 °C

Night temperature

~18–20 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

60–80 % (avoid waterlogging; 40–60 % is enough)

UVB

No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size

30×30×30 cm (a pair or small group; taller is better, ~80 cm is ideal), well ventilated

Substrate

A mix of loamy sand and soil; a shallow water dish (there is a risk of drowning)

Feeding

Food

Privet (Ligustrum vulgare, the staple), forsythia, lilac

Feeding interval

fresh leaves at all times; mist regularly

Key facts

Adult size

females ~5.5–7 cm, males ~4.5–5 cm

Life expectancy

approx. 12 months

Origin

Northern Peru (endemic, a very small range in the Cordillera del Cóndor)

Protection status

Not protected (not listed under CITES or German nature conservation law); a tiny wild range, and only captive-bred animals in the trade

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Group (nymphs and adults together) works well; the sources mention no incompatibility, and the species is easy to breed. The drawback is density: young nymphs fall easily into water containers, and animals suffer when overcrowded, so keep numbers small. Single housing is also possible.

Notes

Striking: velvety black with yellow eyes and red hind wings (PSG 270). NOTE the defensive secretion: when threatened it sprays an irritating secretion from thoracic glands – it can irritate the eyes and nose for minutes; do not let it spray into your face, and wash your hands. It eats mainly privet – secure a year-round supply.

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What you need to start

To keep Peruvian black velvet stick insect (Peruphasma schultei) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×30 cm (a pair or small group; taller is better, ~80 cm is ideal), well ventilated), substrate (A mix of loamy sand and soil; a shallow water dish (there is a risk of drowning)), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.