Aussie Stick Hatchlings

Lots of critters are hatching around Pacific Science Center including eggs from the Australian stick (Extatosoma tiaratum) insect colony. This week, Animal Care Intern Davis presents another educational video on the behind-the-scenes rearing of these Phasmatodae.


Watch this: https://youtu.be/_D6RZapG_xA

We check the stick insects every day to see if any nymphs have emerged from their eggs. Every three or four days we mist the eggs with water to keep the humidity high enough for the stick insects to emerge. If we find a baby stick insect, we make a notation on the board, transfer it into a little container, and then transport it to the exhibit to be with the rest of its family!

For more information about parthenogenesis and the life cycle of these fascinating insects, read our recent article: Captain Phasmatodea and the Attack of the (Not Really) Clones.