ISSN 0966-0011 PHASMID STUDIES. volume 1, numbers 1 & 2. June & December 1992. Editor: P.E. Bragg. Published by the Phasmid Study Group. Phasmid Studies volume 1, numbers 1 & 2. ISSN 0966-0011 Contents Editorial P.E. Bragg 1 Observations on egg laying by Epidares nolimetangere (de Haan) and Dares ulula (Westwood) Ian Abercrombie 2 PSG 47, Bacteria sp. Matthew Gale 5 The Phasmid Egg John Sellick 8 PSG 109, Carausius abbreviatus (Brunner) Phil Bragg 10 PSG 104, Phaenopharos sp. Phil Bragg 14 Phasmids on Praslin and La Digue Islands in the Seychelles Pat Matyot 17 Reviews and Abstracts Book Review 21 Phasmid Abstracts 23 More spermatophores produced by Lonchodinae P.E. Bragg 25 PSG 118, Aretaon asperrimus (Redtenbacher) Paul Jennings 26 PSG 128, Phyllium celebicum de Haan Frank Hennemann 31 PSG 28, Eury enema herculeana (Charpentier) Frank Hennemann 34 The Phasmid Database P.E. Bragg 38 Reviews and Abstracts 47 Book Review 47 Phasmid Abstracts 48 Cover illustration: Hoploclonia gecko (Westwood), by P.E. Bragg. Editorial Welcome to the first issue of Phasmid Studies, Although I had not intended to write an editorial, a last minute alteration created a spare page and I felt an introduction was desirable in the first issue. Phasmid Studies is quite a change of style for the Phasmid Study Group and you may be interested in a brief history of how this came about, and the ideas behind some of the changes. This first issue is slightly smaller than originally anticipated so I would like to encourage more people to write articles for Phasmid Studies. There are lots of species in culture and for many of these no one has ever explained how to keep them so there is plenty of scope for you to write an article. History of Phasmid Studies For more than ten years the Phasmid Study Group has been producing a quarterly Newsletter . This had grown from a first issue with four pages in 1980 to over twenty pages by 1990, with one issue reaching almost thirty pages. Michael Lazenby and Frances Holloway had been editing this since 1984 and decided that the job was interfering with their other interests and they could not continue beyond the end of 1991 . In view of the quantity of work involved in producing Newsletters of such a size, it is perhaps not surprising that there were no volunteers to take over the original format. At the AGM in January 1992, the PSG committee decided to take up offers to split the Newsletter into two parts, each produced by a different editor. The Newsletter continues, edited by Paul Taylor, and will deal mainly with administrative issues, exhibitions, meetings, and the very short articles about phasmids. Phasmid Studies will publish longer articles, including reports on rearing species in culture. The style There are a number of changes in the style of articles in Phasmid Studies compared to the Newsletters. Author’s names and addresses are included so that non-members of the PSG can be easily contacted if they have articles printed in Phasmid Studies. A list of keywords helps anyone with a computerised or card index system to record the important topics in the article. With species reports, if the person writing the article is unable to do so, I will usually add a list of previously published items which refer to the species concerned. References are listed to help you to find further information. The Phasmid Abstracts section will give you an idea about other publications and help you decide if you are interested in reading them. Writing articles Articles are very welcome from anyone, if you would like to contribute but need some advice or help please get in touch with me. As a general rule you will be sent a copy of your article to check before it is published, this way you can spot any mistakes before printing. If you use an IBM compatible computer please send your contribution on a disk, this will be returned; please see the instructions on the inside back cover for details. Drawings Whenever possible I would like to include drawings with articles. In order to reproduce the drawings they must be done in black ink. The best way to do this is to do the drawing in pencil and then go over it in ink, using a fine fibre tipped pen. Corrections can be made with correcting fluid eg. Tipp-ex. If you don’t feel able to do a suitable drawing a note can be put in the Newsletter and perhaps someone else can provide the illustrations. P.E. Bragg. Phasmid Studies^ 1 ( 1 ): 1 Observations on egg laying by Epidares nolimetangere (de Haan) and Dares ulula (Westwood) Ian Abercrombie, 59 Romney Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent, TN24 ORR, U.K. Key words Phasmida, Epidares nolimetangere. Dares validispinus. Dares ulula. Egg laying. Hairs. In January 1990 Phil Bragg sent me approximately 40 eggs of E. nolimetangere, PSG 99. These eggs are oval, 4mm x 2.5mm diameter, dark brown and are covered with long fine brown hairs that appear to have the property of velcro in that they tend to stick together (I often find 7 or 8 stuck together in this way, I also find many apparently laid singly at random). Phil kindly wrote a covering note on the conditions they enjoy; if kept warm and moist they appear to thrive. This proved to be the case and in about a year I had 10 adult females and 5 males; the surplus I had given away to other PSG members. I keep the insects in a large plastic propagator (500mm x 350mm x 25mm) with approximately 60mm of medium sized vermiculite on the floor. I feed them on Bramble, Rose, Oak and various other shrubs (to give them variety). This diet seems to suit them and I have very few losses. On the 5th May 1991 at 9am, I looked into the propagator and noticed that the foliage appeared fresh but dry so I sprayed it with warm tap water. The effects on the females was very interesting, almost all started to dig into the vermiculite. This act in itself was worth observing. The rear and middle legs were splayed and the forelegs pulled the granules from in front and under the head, making a mound under her body. In about 10 minutes each female had made a depression about 15mm deep and the vermiculite was piled up under her body. I realized that I was about to witness egg laying and expected the females to move forward over the holes to deposit an egg or two, then move off leaving the eggs to hatch. What happened next took me completely by surprise. The female I was watching bent forward at an angle of about 30° with her head down the hole and her ovipositor over her back. Suddenly there was a flick and an egg appeared to hit the female on the back, roll over her head and into the hole. She then immediately started to pull more vermiculite into the hole apparently to cover up the egg. She spent 15-20 minutes filling the hole with the same action as before, then walked away to get a drink from the wet foliage, leaving the pile of vermiculite that was under her body in a heap indicating the egg directly in front of it. I was trying to watch about six females at the same time and I kept missing the vital second (The act of egg laying is extremely fast, like Extatosoma tiaratum). These observations raised some immediate questions: 1. Has anyone else seen behaviour like this? 2. Do other Dares species use this method of egg laying? 3. Are the spines present on the females back used as a guide for the egg? 4. Are these the only phasmid to bury their eggs with their forelegs? I decided to try to observe other Dares spp. but as they are extremely inactive in light, pretending to be dead most of the time, I was aware that it might be some time before I got any results. On May 11th I made further observations of E. nolimetangere and clarified some points. 1. The insect may use any of its six legs to collect material beneath it, but mostly the Phasmid Studies, 1(1): 2 Egg laying by Epidares nolimetangere forelegs are used. 2. Before the egg is laid there is much flexing of the ovipositor and a few practice flicks, in slow motion so there is no prospect of releasing the egg too soon. 3. In most cases the egg passes over the abdomen, thorax and head of the female and lands upon her antennae where it sticks by means of its fine hairs. So the spines do not normally act as guides for the eggs. 4. The female immediately removes it with her forelegs and starts to bury the egg. This is a very haphazard-process.- -The insect appears to work by feel and not by sight; perhaps the size of the vermiculite confuses them, it is roughly the same size as the egg. I have examined the eggs of £. nolimetangere under a microscope and found that the hairs on them are strongly hooked at the ends and quite stiff, looking like crochet hooks. It is important that the egg is no more than a few days old when studied through a microscope as the hairs tend to become brittle and the hooks snap off. When 60 or 70% of the hooks have been damaged in this way the egg loses its ability to grip. This doesn’t matter once the egg has been deposited as the hooks have done their job and to all intents and purposes are redundant. I have looked at the antennae of E. nolimetangere under the microscope and found that they are densely covered with short, stout, curved hairs, exactly suited to catch the egg. I have looked at the antennae and eggs of the three related species which are in culture, Dares validispinus, Dares alula, and Dares sp. (PSG 69), and compared them to E. nolimetangere (see table 1). Having looked at the ovipositors of these species I did not believe they have the flexibility to lay eggs in the same way as E. nolimetangere. Despite many hours of observation I did not observe the act of egg laying in any of these three species until April 1992. SPECIES ANTENNAE EGG HAIRS HAIRS Dares sp. Less hairy. Less hairy. PSG 69. Hairs are straight. Hairs straight. Dares alula (Westwood) Hairs long. Almost hairless. PSG 117. Hairs straight. Dares validispinus StM Less dense. Almost hairless- PSG 38, Curved. Table 1. Comparison of antennal and egg hairs. In April 1992 a friend had come to visit and he was holding a female D. alula while I was explaining how slow they are to lay eggs, only producing one every two weeks. I showed him some eggs lying on the vermiculite in the cage and he said the female in his hand had an egg in her ovipositor. I gently put her back into her container. Her front and middle legs were on the vermiculite and her back legs on a bramble stem, her body was at an angle of about 2(f. She stayed in this position for about two minutes and when she appeared to be completely relaxed, she started to flex her abdomen in exactly the same way as E. nolimetangere. After five or six slow practice flicks, she flicked the egg at great speed over her head. The egg landed about 7cm in front of her and bounced to the edge of the container, a distance of about 15cm. The female made no attempt to look for the egg and appeared to ignore it. She remained in the same position for three or four minutes and then walked under a leaf. I then put the lid on the container and returned Phasmid Studies, 1 ( 1 ): 3 Ian Abercrombie the box to its normal place. My conclusion is that both E. nolimetangere and D. ulula lay their eggs by catapulting them over their bodies. E. nolimetangere catch the eggs on their antennae by means of the hairs on the egg, the insect then removes the egg with her forelegs and buries them. It has taken me two years to see these two species egg laying, I have not yet seen D. vaMispinus or PSG 69 lay their eggs but I now believe that they flick their eggs over their heads in the same way. Phasndd Studies, 1 ( 1 ): 4 PSG 47, Bacteria sp, Matthew Gale, Median Lodge, Pipers Yard, Acre End Street, Eynsham, Oxford, 0X8 IPE, UK. Drawings of adults by Phil Bragg. Key words Phasmida, Bacteria sp., Costa Rica, Rearing, Foodplants, Classification This species appears to belong to the genus Bacteria which was first described by Latreille in 1825. Identification to species level has not yet been made. Culture Origin The present culture was collected from Costa Rica by Allan Harman. Adults Females generally range from 170-190mm in length with a width of about 7- 10mm. Colours vary from dull chocolate brown to grey, often with some very faint green markings ventrally. They have a rough texture, like bark, and the thorax is covered with many small bumps and tubercles, particularly on the mesothorax. Females exhibit lobes on the first tarsal segment of each foot, as well as on the seventh abdominal segment (similar to those found on the female nymphs of Acrophylla wuelflngi and Ctenomorphodes briareus). Often they possess a blunt spine on the dorsal, posterior portion of abdominal segments two through six. The sub-genital operculum extends beyond the tip of the abdomen and is quite flat apart from upward curving edges and a downward curving tip. The sub-genital valves protrude above the operculum noticeably. The cerci are very small. Males are very slender, being 2-3mm thick and measuring between 110- 130mm in length. They are light brown in colour with a green mesothorax and ventral metathorax, with black and cream bands on the middle and rear femora. Unlike the female, the male appears quite glossy. The sub- genital plate is large and very bulbous, the cerci are larger than the females and are used to clasp her during mating. Both sexes have quite round heads and bulbous eyes. The female’s limbs tend to be somewhat flattened whereas the males legs are proportionately longer, slimmer and rounded. Both sexes live for about four months as adults. Mating is frequent and males may remain attached to females (although not always actually mating) for several days. Eggs (fig 1.) These are light beige in colour, with a dull, rough, pitted surface and a glossy brown domed operculum. Incubation takes about six months at room temperature. Eggs tend to mould easily, so it may be best to keep them only slightly humid, increasing humidity as Figure 1. Egg of PSG 47, hatching approaches. Bacteria sp. Nymphs These are quite large upon hatching with a body length of about 25mm, They are dark brown in colour, with flecks of white, and are very nervous, loosing legs easily within the first instar. They start feeding with no difficulty and seem to appreciate some humidity. Phasmid Studies^ 1(1): 5 PSG 47, Bacteria sp. ! 10cm Phasnud Studies y 1 ( 1 ); 6 PSG 47, Bacteria sp. As they grow, they assume many different shades of brown, some appear to be a rich chestnut colour. Nymphs often possess two horns on their heads but seem to loose these progressively as they mature. Foodplants Bramble, Rose, Hawthorn and Oak are all accepted readily. General comments A placid species with no real active defences. Adult females may produce a frothy liquid from their mouths if they feel really threatened. Both sexes tend to thrash around when handled, females often calm down when given something to hold onto, males can’t be calmed and will storm around their cages for some time after being handled. Nymphs sometimes appear to have trouble extracting their legs from the exuviae during moulting, however this is generally a very easy species to keep. Phasmid Studies^ 1 ( 1 ): 7 The Phastnid Egg John Sellick, 31 Regent Street^ Kettering, Northants, NN16 8QG, UK. Key words Phasmida, Eggs, Egg terminology, Egg descriptions. The phasmid egg has some special properties, being on the whole large and robust. So robust indeed, that eggs can be dissected from museum specimens over a hundred years old and externally they appear indistinguishable from those newly laid. There is no difficulty in keeping a collection, mounted or loose. But why bother?- Because a proper knowledge of the egg is a great aid to the identification and classification of the adult animal. The eggs all have a distinct operculum and micropylar plate (even if - as in some Dares ~ the plate is almost invisible from the surface and is only clearly revealed by viewing the shell from inside). As far as is known, the phasmid egg is unique, no other insect having this combination of features, and no phasmid lacking them. As long ago as 1871 Kaup published illustrations and descriptions of twenty six species, and put forward the suggestion that a study of the eggs would be a great help in classifying the insects. It is a pity that his illustrations were rather poor and his descriptions brief, although he had the example of J. Muller’s (1825) much earlier splendidly detailed study of the egg of Bacteria ferula. Although there were casual references to Kaup’s ideas, nothing systematic was done until over a century later when I set out the standard descriptive methods for phasmid eggs (Clark 1976) and described and figured the eggs of the few species then in culture, and incidentally coined the word ootaxonomy for the study of the value of eggs in classification. Since then I have made more extensive surveys, including a genus key (Clark 1979), a survey of leaf insect eggs (Clark 1978) and investigations of distribution and nature of the capitulum (Clark 1976, Sellick 1988) and the micropylar plate (Sellick 1987) within the order. Why am I writing about this now? Because I am aiming to get together a comprehensive survey of all that is at present known about egg structure, combining my own work with that scattered through the literature. Quite a lot has appeared in the PSG Newsletter, and it would be interesting to see what the Newsletter has provided. Eggs of sixty three species have been figured, with degrees of usefulness varying from tiny indefinite sketches to large detailed drawings. Few have been illustrated from more than one point of view. Of the 120 plus PSG numbered species, only 47 eggs have appeared in any form in the Newsletter, Out there among the PSG members must be a mass of untapped material, waiting to make a contribution to scientific research. I am putting together a standard reference collection of mounted egg material, a full set for any one species being two intact eggs (mounted to show different views), a separate operculum, and a dissect^ egg to show internal shell structure. I have accumulated 118 species, but many are incomplete sets and for only 93 species do I know the eggs thoroughly. Can I plead with anyone writing about eggs of a new species to illustrate both dorsal and lateral views (the latter conventionally with the micropylar plate to the left) and as well as the general description to give a series of standard measurements. Here is the standard descriptive method for phasmid eggs: Dimensions should be given to the nearest 0,1mm. Remember when describing opercula and capitula to use height, width and length in the same sense as the main capsule. Thus what would instinctively be thought of as the height of a capitulum (distance from the operculum) should be referred to as its length. To describe eggs effectively requires more than a magnifying glass, and I recommend a lower power stereo microscope with a measuring graticule in the eyepiece. Many members may not have access to such an instrument, and in these cases I would be happy to receive material (empty, hatched eggs are quite suitable, but please include loose opercula) and Phasmid Studies, 1(1): 8 The phasmid egg make the necessary examinations and drawings. In describing eggs beware of using the term capitulum for any high- rise operculum. A capitulum is strictly separate from the operculum and will typically absorb warm alkali and swell up. Many are on stalks on the operculum, but some form a dome over the entire top. Some are solid, some are hollow (and these tend to collapse with age); some hollow ones are perforated on the surface. Many are a distinct colour from the capsule or operculum. The large structure of Phy Ilium spp. eggs is just a raised operculum. Also be careful about colour descriptions; it may well vary considerably in a single batch of eggs. Figure 1. Illustration to show the terms used to describe eggs. Egg capsule shape varies considerably throughout the order. Most are essentially spheres deformed to various extents, so that some end up almost as discs or cylinders. In general, apart from the opercular region, there is a smooth outline, though a minority of the eggs have posterior protrusions which in at least one case becomes a spike to stick the egg into the foodplant. References Clark, J.T. (1976) The eggs of stick insects (Phasmida): a review with descriptions of the eggs of eleven species. Systematic Entomology^ 1: 95-105. Clark, J.T. (1976) The capitulum of Phasmid eggs (Insecta: Phasmida) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 59; 365-375. Clark, J.T. (1978) The eggs of leaf insects (Insecta: Phasmida) Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 63: 249-258. Clark, J.T. (1979) A key to the eggs of stick and leaf insects (Phasmida). Systematic Entomology, 4: 325-331. Kaup, J. (1871) Ueber die Eier der Phasmiden. Berlin entomol. Zeitschr., Berlin, 15: 17-24. Muller, A, (1825) Ueber die Entwicklung der Eier im Eierstock bei denn Gespenheuschreken... Nova Acta Leopoldina 12: 553-672. Sellick, J.T.C. (1987) The micropylar plate of eggs of Phasmatodea and its taxonomic significance. Stick insects: Fhylogeny and reproduction. Proceedings of the 1st international symposium on stick insects. Universities of Siena & Bologna, p. 133-140. Sellick, J.T.C. (1988) The Capitula of Phasmid eggs; an update with a review of the current state of Phasmid ootaxonomy. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 93; 273-282. Phasmid Studies, 1(1): 9 PSG 109, Carausius abbreviatus (Brunner) Phi] Bragg, 8 Cornwall Avenue, Beeston Rylands, Nottingham, NG9 INL, UK. Key words Phasmida, Carausius abbreviatus^ Boraeo, Rearing, Foodplants, Distribution. Classification This species was first described as a member of the genus Dixippus, and as later moved to the genus Phasgania by Kamy (1923). However both Dixippus and Phasgania are synonyms of Carausius, so the correct name is Carausius abbreviatus. The original specimens described by Brunner came from two areas of Sabah, Mt. Kinabalu and the Padas River. The species has only been mentioned five times: Dixippus abbreviatus Brunner 1907: 280. Phasgania abbreviata (Brunner), Gunther, 1935: 8. Carausius abbreviatus (Brunner), Bragg, 1990: 1. Phasgania abbreviata (Brunner), Hausleithner, 1991: 231. Carausius abbreviatus (Brunner), Bragg, 1992. Culture history The PSG culture developed from one female and several males which I collected in August 1989, on Mt. Serapi, Sarawak. When it was first collected the female was mistaken for a nymph of Lonchodes jejunus (Brunner). Although I have subsequently collected this species in several other areas of Borneo, most have been males and the original female is the only female that has reached the UK alive. Distribution (fig 1.) This species has been recorded from the eight localities marked on the map. (Bragg 1992) As these localities include both the eastern and western ends of Borneo it seems reasonable to assume that the species is quite widespread in northern Borneo. Figure 1 . Borneo. The known distribution of Carausius abbreviatus in Notes on wild specimens A female specimen from Bengoh, 35km south of Kuching, was parasitized by a Mermithid larva and died a few days after capture (Bragg, in press). In 1989, on Mt. Serapi Patrick van der Phasmid Studies, 1(1): 10 PSG 109, Carausius abbreviatus (Brunner) Stigchel caught a phasmid which had half of its abdomen missing, although the distinctive end to the abdomen was missing, I believe that this specimen was a male C abbreviatus. The phasmid had presumably been caught and had had the end of its abdomen eaten before it managed to escape. The insect concerned was dead by the following morning. a Figure 2. Carausius abbreviatus, a) female, b) male. Description of the adults (fig. 2) The females are best distinguished from related species by the very short hind legs. In most Lonchodinae, and certainly all those in culture at present, the hind legs of the females reach almost to the end of the abdomen, in this species they only just reach half way along. In the male the hind legs reach roughly three quarters of the way along the abdomen, in other Lonchodinae which are in culture the hind legs of the males are longer than the abdomen. The females are a uniform brown. The body is quite granulose, particularly the thorax. The females appear similar to nymphs of Lonchodes jejunus or L. brevipes, but can easily be distinguished by the size of the hind legs. The middle tibiae have large rounded lobes, similar to those of Carausius sanguineoligatus. There are two bumps on the head which look like very blunt horns. The males are quite a bright green when adult, with red patches where the legs join the thorax and a red end to the abdomen. The eighth and ninth segments of the abdomen are wide, about three times as wide as the rest of the abdomen; this forms a very distinctive round lobe. The males do not have the large lobes on the middle tibiae. Nymphs The presence or absence of the abdominal lobe and the lobes on the middle tibiae enable easy sexing of the nymphs when they are half grown. The male nymphs are brown so colour cannot be used to sex them. Phasmid Studies^ 1 ( 1 ): 11 Phil Bragg Eggs (fig. 3) The capsule is a uniform mid-brown in colour except for the area around the micropylar plate which is much darker. The capsule is covered in a series of raised ridges. The micropylar plate is an elongated oval with usually only a single zigzag or broken ridge running along it. The micropyle is located at the polar end of the micropylar plate. There is a noticeable median line running from the micropylar plate to the posterior pole. The operculum is smooth, flat and is a grey-brown colour. There is a black capitulum with a deep capitular pit. Typical measurements are: length 2.7mm, width 1.5mm, height 1.9mm and mass 3.9 Img. In a temperature which varied between 20'*C and 15°C over a four week period, the egg laying rate of a single female was found to be 1.82 eggs per 24 hours. 1mm Figure 3. The egg of Carausius abbreviatus, dorsal and lateral views. Sizes (mm) Female. Male. Newly hatched Total length 105-120 63-79 16 fore femur 15-17 12.5-14.5 3.0 mid femur 11-13 9-11 2.5 hind femur 12.5-14.5 11-12 2.7 Table 1. Size variation in Carausius abbreviatus. Rearing I have reared this species in the UK using one of my standard cages (Bragg 1987) maintained at a humidity of 70-90%, The time from the egg being laid to the insect reaching adult is almost exactly one year when kept in conditions with no heating other than sufficient to prevent temperatures falling below 5°C. The first captive bred generation were kept in a cage containing several other species and most of the nymphs died during the first instar. Three females and three males reached adult, one female died a few days later. The second generation nymphs were reared without other species in the cage and seemed to survive better than the first generation. The newly hatched nymphs are very fragile which could explain why the first generation was not very successful. Unfortunately, while I was abroad during the summer of 1991 all my stock died off. Although I had passed eggs on to other people, the culture seems to have died out. Hopefully I will be able to re-establish this culture with some fresh stock. Phasmid Studies, 1 ( 1 ): 12 PSG 109, Carausius abbreviatus (Brunner) Figure 4. Female; a) mid leg, b) fore leg c) operculum. Foodplants C. abbreviatus will feed on bramble, wild rose, firethom (Pyracantha sp.), eucalyptus (E. gunnii), raspberry and hawthorn. References Bragg, P.E. (1987) Cage construction. Phasmid Study Group Newsletter^ 32: 8-9. Br^g, P.E. (1990) Species list changes. Phasmid Study Group Newsletter ^ 45: 1. Bragg, P.E. (1992) Notes and illustrations of the phasmid Carausius abbreviatus (Brunner) from Borneo, including a description of the female. Entomologist's monthly magazine y vol. 128. Bragg, P.E. (in press) Parasites in Phasmida. The Entomologist, Bnmner von Wattenwyl, K. (1907) Die Insektenfamilie der Phasmiden. volume 2. Leipzig. Gunther, K. (1935a). Phasmoiden aus Centralbomeo. Arkiv for Zoologi, 28A(9): 1-29. Hausleithner, B. (1991) Eine Phasmidenausbeut aus dem Gebiet des Mount Kinabalu, Borneo (Phasmatodea). Nachr. ent. Ver. Apollo, FranffUrt, N.F. 11(4): 217-236. Kamy, H.H. (1923) Zur Nomenclatur der Phasmoiden. Treubia, 3: 230-242. Phasmid Studies, 1(1): 13 PSG 104, Phaenopharos sp. PhU Bragg, 8 Cornwall Avenue, Beeston Rylands, Nottingham, NG9 INL, UK. Egg description and drawing by John Sellick. Drawings of adults by £. Newman and Frank Hennemann. Key words Phasmida, Phaenopharos sp., Thailand, Rearing, Foodplants. Classification This species appears to be similar to Phaenopharos struthioneus (Westwood), the only species which has been descnbed in this genus; PSG 104 is a much smaller species. Culture history This culture originates from two females and three males which were collected in the Khao Yai National Park (fig 1.), Thailand by Heinz van Herwaarden and Oscar van Gorkom during August 1988. The collecting area has an altitude of 825m, annual rainfall of 1600-2400mm and at the time of collection a temperature ranging from 17“C to 23°C. The five specimens reached Europe alive and the species had already been distributed to quite a few members by July 1989 when I was given two mated females. This species has previously been illustrated and described as "Seventh species, Thailand red microwings" (Herwaarden 1989). Description of the adults (fig 2.) The most distinctive features of this species are the wings. There are no fore wings, only a small pair of hind wings on the metathorax. These are black or dark brown at the leading edge, the rest of the wing is bright red. The wings of the female are about 6mm long, those of the male are about 4mm. The wings are displayed when the insect is disturbed, especially if the end of the abdomen is firmly held. The basic colour of females ranges from pale fawn to almost black. Although the colouring appears constant along the length of the body, the females are in fact mottled with darker patches. Males are generally dark brown or black, fawn being less common than in the females and do not appear to be mottled. Females are about 10- 12cm in length, males 9- 10cm. The mesothorax and metathorax of the female are covered in small spines, these are present in the males as small granules. The femora are all quite flattened, particularly in the female. There are a pair of spines on the ends of the middle and hind femora, just before the joint with the tibiae, these are particularly noticeable in the male. The first segment of the front tarsi in the females have a large lobe which is absent in the male. Egg (fig 3.) Egg uniformly black to the naked eye. Magnification shows a dark grey micropylar plate and main capsule, with variable black patches laterally. Micropylar plate obscure, stretching almost the length of the dorsal surface. The operculum bears a black capitulum which is completely hollow and readily collapses. Typical measurements: length 3.4mm, width 2.5mm, height 3.0mm; capitulum length 0.5mm, width 0.8mm; micropylar length 3.0mm, width 0.7mm. Phasndd Studies, 1(1): 14 PSG 104, Phaenopharos sp. Figure 2. Females and male of PSG 104. Behaviour This species is nocturnal and commonly plays dead when handled during the daytime. However persistent handling causes them to "wake up" and try walking away. If the abdomen is gripped at this stage the bright red wings flash open, usually being held open for several seconds and sometimes for as much as half a minute. The contrast between the plain black or brown body and Phasmid Studies ^ 1 ( 1 ): 15 Phil Bragg the bright red is startling and could be very effective protection against predators. Rearing This is quite an easy species to rear and has become quite widespread. If kept in conditions which are not very well ventilated, there can be a high mortality at the penultimate instar and young adult stages. This species seems to do well in conditions of moderate humidity. The males are much less bulky than the females which explains why they reach pj ^ 3 pgQ jq4^ adult so much quicker; often the capitulum. females survive the males by a significant period. Although the eggs are black in colour, they are very easy to distinguish from the frass and, being round, are easily separated by using a small paint brush to roll them off a sloping piece of card. Foodplants These include bramble (Rubus spp.), raspberry (Rubus idaeus), dog rose {Rosa canina), firethom {Pyracantha sp.), ivy (Hedera sp.), eucalyptus {Eucalyptus gunni), rhododendron {Rhododendron sp.), and oak {Quercus sp.). References Herwaarden, H, van (1989) Phasmatidae from Thailand. Part 2: Species found in Khao Yai National Park. PSG Newsletter, 41: 15-19. Phasmid Studies^ 1(1): 16 Phasmids on Praslin and La Digue Islands in the Seychelles Pat Matyot, P.O. Box 321, Seychelles. Key words Phasmida, Seychelles, La Digue, Praslin, Carausius alluaudi^ C. sechellensis ^ Graeffea seychellensis , Phyllium bioculatwn. Phasmids have been recorded from five granitic islands of the Seychelles archipelago. Information regarding which of the six species occur on each island has previously been summarized in tabular form (Matyot 1990). The data provided then for the islands of Praslin and La Digue were based on the literature and not on first-hand observation. Polio wing a visit to Pxaslin and La Digue in October 1991, I am now able to update the distribution records for these two islands. Figure 1. The islands of the Seychelles known to have phasmids. Praslin Alluaud discovered Carausius sechellensis (= Lonchodes sechellensis) on this island in 1892 (Bolivar 1895). The species was found again there in 1905 by Gardiner and in 1908 by Scott during the Percy Sladen Trust expeditions to the Indian Ocean. In 1908 Scott also collected Graeffea seychellensis on Praslin (Bolivar & Ferri^re 1912). These two species were the only ones I observed during a five day stay on Praslin from 18*** to 22“** October 1991. As on Mahe, C. sechellensis is the species with the greatest altitudinal and habitat range. Four sightings of this phasmid were made: 1 . At about 340m above sea level at Fond Azore, close to the highest point on Praslin (367m). This specimen was a nymph, possibly third instar. It was resting during daytime on one of the fronds of a young palmis palm, Deckenia nobilis. No ferns, the preferred foodplants of this stick insect, were visible in the immediate vicinity. 2. Near sea level on the edge of a mangrove swamp north of Cap Jean Marie at Anse Kerlan. This was a small nymph, probably second instar. It was resting during the day on a fouzer taba fern, NepHrolepis biserrata. 3. At about 80m above sea level, along the track from Baie Sainte Anne to Fond Dalbaretz. This was another nymph, probably third instar. It was resting at night on one of the fronds of a low lantannyen milpat palm, Nephrosperma vanhoutteanum. There were clumps of the fern N. biserrata growing close by. Phasrmd Studies^ 1(1): 17 Pat Matyot 4. At about 20m above sea level, along the track from Anse Volbert to Salazie. This sub adult male was resting in daytime on one of the fronds of a young coconut palm, Cocos nucifera. Clumps of N. biserrata were growing beneath the palm. The palm stick insect, G. seychellensis, was observed on two occasions on Praslin: 1. At about 150m above sea level, along the track from Bale Sainte Anne to Fond Dalbaretz. Two adults, a male and a female (green form), were resting at night on different leaflets of the same frond of N. vanhoutteanum. 2. At about 100m above sea level, along the track from Anse Volbert to Salazie. A nymph, possibly third instar, was resting on a frond of N. vanhoutteanum. The leaf insect Phyllium bioculatum, which is known to occur on Mahe and Silhouette, was not observed by me on Praslin, but several inhabitants have reported seeing leaf insects on the island. According to notes that E.S. Brown has left at the Hope Department of Entomology (Oxford University Museum), in January 1953 he came across a male of " Pulchrifolium gelonus (Gray)" (= Phyllium bioculatum) at Grand Anse on the west coast of Praslin (Graham Floater, personal communication). Since no specimens have been available for study and positive identification, the possible presence of P. bioculatum on Praslin is indicated by a question mark in Figure 2. Female Carausius alluaudi, can reach 1 1cm in length, [drawing: Rosemary Wise.] Phasndd Studies, 1 ( 1 ): 18 Phasmids of Praslin and La Digue table L Species Mahe Praslin La Digue Silhouette Felicite Carausius alluaudi ♦ - 7 an - Carausius gardineri ♦ - - ♦ - Carausius scotti - - - * - Carausius sechellensis T¥ * ♦ 7 Graeffea seychellensis * ♦ - ♦ - Phyllium bioculatwn * 7 - 3k - Table 1. Distribution of phasmids in the Seychelles. * species present, - species not known to be present, ? species status uncertain. Figure 3. Map showing localities mentioned in the text. La Digue Alluaud discovered Carausius alluaudi (=Lonchodes alluaudi) on this island in 1892 (Bolivar 1895). Since then there have been no further studies of its phasmid fauna. One day, October 24**^ 1991, was spent looking around areas of La Digue where C. alluaudi was likely to be found, but Phasmid Studies, 1(1): 19 Pat Matyot this search was unsuccessful. The time spent on the island was admittedly short, and the species may still survive in areas which could not be visited. Even so, it must be quite rare, since a large number of likely sites were investigated. These investigations did reveal the presence of C. sechellensis, a species hitherto unrecorded from La Digue. Only one specimen was sighted, an adult female which was resting on the fern N. biserrata on the eastern side of the road that runs through the La Retraite area, at about 40m above sea level. A Ceratopogonid biting midge was perched on the thorax of the phasmid. Four other islands. Frigate, Cousin, Curieuse and Silhouette, were also visited in October 1991. Phasmids were not found on the first three, while all known Seychellois species, except P. bioculatwn were located on Silhouette. The presence of P. bioculatum on Silhouette was hoj^ever confirmed in 1990 (Matyot 1991). In 1908 Scott found C. sechellensis on Felicite as well (Bolivar & Ferriere 1912), but since then the island has been subjected to severe habitat destruction, notably through the replacement of the original vegetation by planted coconut palms. The present status of C. sechellensis on Felicity needs to be verified. References Bolivar, I, (1895) Mission scientifique de M. Charles Alluaud aux lies Sechelles: orthopteres. Annales de la Societe entomologique de France ^ 64: 369-386. Bolivar, I. & Ferrifere, C. (1912) Phasmidae of the Seychelles. Transactions of the Linnean Society of London (Zoology), 15: 293-300. Matyot, P. (1990) Carausius scotti re-discovered. PSG Newsletter, 44: 6-7. Matyot, P. (1991) Observations sur les phasmes de File de Silhouette aux Seychelles. Le monde des phasmes, 12: 3-9. Phasmid Studies, 1(1): 20 Reviews and Abstracts. Book Review, by Phil Bragg. A step-by-step book about stick insects, by David Alderton. Published by TFH Publications. (1992) IBSN 0-86622-349-5. A5 format, 64 pages, 41 colour photographs. Price £2.25. My initial impression of this book was a poor one. The title page has a photograph of a female nymph of Extatosoma narcuum, the caption on the following page says "fully grown" which is clearly not the case as it has no sign of any wings. However as I looked further through the book I quickly changed my mind. Aimed at beginners, it is well researched and includes technical information in a very readable form. The book is packed with photographs ranging from quarter to full page; while these are of a limited number of species, presumably those kept by the author, they greatly enhance the book in a way which drawings can never quite achieve. The introduction is packed with interesting facts and this is followed by sections on housing, feeding and care, breeding, species available, and an index. It even mentions the Phasmid Study Group in the first paragraph, as well as helpfully including a contact address at the end of the book. The introduction is in fact quite a large section and offers insights into phasmids generally, predators, pest status, ways to obtain livestock, methods of transporting or posting them, and basic anatomy. I found an excusable error on page nine, there are in fact three established species in the wild in the UK; as the presence of the third species has only come to light recently (Brock 1986), the error is understandable. What impressed me most in the introduction is that the author avoided the trap that every other author has fallen into, beginners do not want to know the technical names of every part of an insects body! The basic anatomy is just that and no more. The housing section is reasonably comprehensive, offering various options, all are suitable although it does not suggest my own favourite, a glass fronted, net cage. Heating is discussed, I disagree with the suggestion that the insects might sit on a light bulb and bum themselves, but I agree that is not a good method; as the book states, heating pads are the most suitable method if it is necessary. I know I keep more phasmids than the average enthusiast, but even so I doubt if it is worthwhile trying to grow a supply of bramble in your garden for use in winter. Contrary to the suggestion in the book, I do find it worth growing Pyracantha as winter food, it keeps its leaves better than bramble. One strange thing is the suggestion that the foodplants, even when put in water, may wilt after two or three days; mine lasts two or three weeks without wilting. The two paragraphs on cleaning the cage, advising regular, frequent, cleaning with which I agree, however I do know people who successfully rear stick insects by leaving eggs and droppings in the cage, only cleaning it once per year. The advice on water and humidity is consistent with the housing suggestions (although again not my preferred methods). The handling, diseases, and euthanasia suggestions are very sound advice. The chapter on breeding is a little deceptive in places; 1000 eggs is normal for E, tiaratum in Australia but not in Europe, 450 is more realistic (Carlberg 1987: 54). A yogurt pot (except perhaps a family size pot) is not a suitable container for egg laying medium for a species as large as Eurycantha calcarata, a one or two litre ice cream container is more suitable. There is only one Phasmid Studies, 1 ( 1 ): 21 Phil Bragg photograph of eggs and this is of only one species; this is surprising in a book with such an excellent range of photographs. Contrary to the author’s belief, many inexperienced people have difficulty recognising eggs. Although there is a multitude of suggestions for egg laying media, there are no suggestions on the alternative methods of incubating eggs. However, apart from these points, the chapter covers breeding quite well, with a variety of ideas, a welcome change from the common practice of plugging only the authors’ personal preferences. The short section, on -individual-species recognised both that there -are many species in culture, and that only a limited number are widely available. It makes specific mention of six of the most frequently available and then briefly mentions a few others. There are a few minor errors: a common one in other places also creeps into this book, Mackay’s Spectre should of course be Macleay’s from tiaratwn (Macleay) 1827; Eurycantha calcarata is misspelt as E. calarata; the colour of Calynda brocki is given as chocolate brown, in my experience green or fawn are more usual; Creoxylus spinosus 10cm long would be worth seeing, I checked my collection and found my largest specimen is 5.7cm long. The classic, inexcusable blunder I have saved until the end; page 43. Why must people insist on printing photographs of E. tiaratwn upside down? To compound the fault, the same picture is on the back cover. Having catalogued all the errors I’ve found, I must make my feelings clear. This is an excellently written, attractively presented book which is ideal for beginners. It is published by a company which is probably the largest publisher in the pet trade and has a huge number of shops stocking their titles. It is likely to become the best selling book on stick insects and deservedly so. Given the cost, the number of colour photos, the readability and the range of methods suggested this must be the best buy for beginners. If the price remains at this level, there can be no excuse for every would-be stick insect keeper not buying a copy. As the book is aimed at beginners it is limited in the number of species that it covers but will still make interesting reading for experienced phasmid rearers. References Brock, P.D, (1986) A third New Zealand stick insect (Phasmatodea) established in the British Isles, with notes on the other species, including a correction. Proceedings of the 1st International Symposium in Stick Insects. 125-132. Carlberg, U. (1987) Culturing stick- and leaf-insects (Phasmida) - A review. Z. Versuchstierkd. , 29: 39-63. Phasmid Studies, 1(1): 22 Phasmid Abstracts The following abstracts briefly summarise articles which have recently appeared in other publications. Some of these may be available from local libraries. Others will be available in university or college libraries, many of these libraries allow non-members to use their facilities for reference purposes free of charge. The editor of Phasmid Studies would welcome recent abstracts from authors so that they may be included forthcoming issues. In the case of publications specialising in phasmids, Phasma and Le monde des phasmes, only the longer papers are summarised. Alderton, D. (1992) A step-by-step book about stick insects. TFH Publications. 64pp. [Reviewed in this issue of Phasmid studies] Baarda, G. (1991-2) Voer!!! Phasma, 1(4): 8-11, continued in Phasma 2(5): 6-9. This is a comprehensive summary of foodplant data from PSG Newsletter issues 1-48 and Phasma issues 1-3. The data is tabulated, grouping the foodplants by genus rather than by species, this is done as the records are not always very precise and a complete list would be too unwieldy. Part one summarises known foodplants in the Rosaceae but sub-dividing them into three families, Amygdalaceae (Plum & cherry), Rosaceae (Rose & Bramble) and Pomaceae (Apple). Part two deals with the rest of the known foodplants in the families Araliaceae, Betulaceae, Ericaceae, Fagaceae, Myrtaceae, Oleaceae, Papilionaceae, Polygonaceae, Commelinaceae, Moraceae, Ulmaceae, Berberidaceae, Hypericaceae and Caprifolaceae. Ferns are also mentioned as foodplants of two species. In addition other foodplants have been mentioned but only for single species. A total of 410 phasmid- foodplant combinations have been mentioned. Bragg, P.E, (1992) The use of stick insects in schools. School Science Review, 73(264): 49-58. Some uses of stick insects in schools are outlined and suitable species are listed. The general nature and variation of stick insects is discussed. Some species are illustrated. Some useful facts, references and sources of further information are given. A copyright free care sheet and cage construction details are provided. Bragg, P.E. (1992) Phasmids and cockroaches as prey of spiders and mantids. Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists* Society, 51(380): 19-20. Records of predation of stick insects in the wild are rare. The records of spiders and preying mantids are reviewed. A possible case of predation by a mantis is reported. Two colour photographs are included, one shows a spider eating a female nymph of Asceles margaritatus, the other shows a cockroach being eaten by a spider. Bragg, P.E. (1992) Illustrations and notes on the phasmid Diesbachia hellotis (Westwood) from Borneo, including a new synonym. The Entomologist, 111(2): 95-101, The male and egg of Diesbachia hellotis are illustrated for the first time. A correction is made to the description of the female which is also illustrated. The male has previously been described as Diesbachia approximata. The nymphs of this species are briefly mentioned. The taxonomic status and distribution are discussed. Brock, P.D. (1992) Rearing and studying stick and leaf insects. AES Publications. A revised edition of The phasmid rearer *s handbook which was published in 1985. [This book will be reviewed in the next issue of Phasmid Studies] Phasmid Studies, 1 ( 1 ): 23 Phasmid abstracts D’Hulster, K. (1992) Waarvoor wandelende takken allemaal gebniikt worden! Phasma, 2(5): 10-12 Narrates a variety of facts and some of the uses of phasmids, listing a total of 17. The list includes medicinal uses, education, stage props, live food for predators, pest status, and noise production. Gorkom, J. van (1991) Soortbeschrijving Phasmatodea. Phasma, 1(4): 4-5. A species report on rearing PSG 103, Sipyloidea sp., with a brief description. This species was originally collected in the Khao Yai National Park -in August-1988. The article concludes that this is a good species for beginners to attempt rearing. Illustrations of male, female, egg and map of Thailand by Heinz van Herwaarden. Gorkom, J. van (1991) Wintergroen. Phasma, 1(4): 6-7. Discusses some of the problems and solutions to finding food in winter. The foodplant list on the PSG species list is far from complete and rearers are advised to try new foodplants. Phenacephorus comucervi, Lonchodes amaurops and Phaenopharos sp. (PSG 104) will all eat ivy. Lonchodes brevipes will eat rhododendron. Bramble remains the main source of food in winter and can usually be found in covered areas such as woods. Viburnum rhytidophyllum is an evergreen found in parks and gardens and is worth trying as a foodplant. The article ends by advising keeping phasmid numbers low in winter. Gorkom, J. van (1991) Een eerste kennismaking. Phasma, 1(4): 14-15. Describes catching a small wingless phasmid in Taman Negara National Park in West Malaysia in October 1991. The egg and female are illustrated. [from the illustration I suspect that this is Abrosoma sp. - P.E. Bragg] Gorkom, J. van (1991) Soortbeschrijving Phasmatodea. Phasma, 2(5): 14-15. A species report on rearing Sipyloidea sipylus (Westwood), PSG 4. The article concludes that this is an easy species to rear and it may be kept outside in the summer. Gorkom, J. van (1991) Nieuwe phasmiden: een Lombokker. Phasma, 2(5): 20. A report on a new culture of an unidentified wingless phasmid of the subfamily Phasmatinae. A single female was collected, by locals, on the south facing side of Gunung Rinjani, near Tetebatu, Lombok. A total of 14 eggs were laid between 30* September and 4* September 1990. These hatched between 6* and 12* December 1990. Seven nymphs of the thirteen that hatched managed to feed; of these, four females and two males developed into adults. Two of the females laid eggs and in the next generation 4 four male and four females survived to adult. Culturing this species is proving to be a problem in winter as the only known foodplant is oak. The following description is given: 9 width 14.5cm, width 7mm, head 8mm x 6mm, green with a light brown abdomen; 6 length 9.5cm, width 3mm, thorax red-brown, abdomen light brown. Potvin, W. (1991) Kweekervaringen met enige wandelende takken. Phasma, 1(4): 12. Mentions some problems with incubation of phasmid eggs. Incubation in closed tubes is not successful, mould develops on the eggs, particularly with Sipyloidea sipylus, Baculum extradentatum and B. thaii; Carausius morosus, Libethra regularis and Phaenopharos sp. (PSG 104) do not seem to be affected. Phasmid Studies, 1 ( 1 ): 24 More spermatophores produced by Lonchodinae. P.E. Bragg, 8 Cornwall Ave, Beeston Rylands, Nottingham, NG9 INL, UK. Key words Phasmida, Spermatophore, Lonchodes validoTt Phenacephorus cornucervi. In April 1991 I reviewed the cxicurrence of spermatophores in phasmids (1991a), reporting a total of 18 species which produce spermatophores. Later the same year, in September (1991b), I reported finding a spermatophore in another species, Haaniella grayi grayi (Westwood). Since then I have found a further two species producing spermatophores. In July 1991 I saw a first generation captive bred male of Phenacephorus cornucervi Brunner with part of a spermatophore protruding from the right hand side of its terminalia. As with most spermatophores that I have found, it was creamy white in colour. Although I have reared several hundred P. cornucervi over several years, this is the only spermatophore I have seen from this species. On 16“^ May 1992 I noticed a small glossy white object protruding from the terminalia of a mating pair of Lonchodes validor (Brunner). The specimens had been given to me as nymphs by Mel Herbert who had collected their parents in Brunei during August 1991. Although I was reasonably sure that what I was looking at was a spermatophore, after watching the insects for a few minutes I decided to try removing the object in order to be certain. Using a fine pair of forceps, I gently pulled the object; it pulled away very easily. The spermatophore was soft and flexible, the contents were white, the spermatophore itself was transparent. I then put the spermatophore back in the position from which it had been removed. The following morning however, it was lying on the floor of the cage, still full. Later in the same week I found the dried remains of another spermatophore on the floor of the cage. This cage is shared by several adult pairs of Lonchodes haematomus (Westwood) and L. validor so the origin of this spermatophore is uncertain. This brings the total number of spermatophore records in the subfamily Lonchodinae to five. In view of the number of people keeping members of this subfamily in captivity, it is surprising that more have not been recorded. Some species seem more likely than others to drop spermatophores on the floor of the cage (eg. Extatosoma tiaratum) and therefore are more likely to be noticed. It is possible that not all spermatophores are as large in relation to the size of the insects as those which have been recorded. Another possibility is that most females are quicker at taking the spermatophore into their body than the species which have been recorded. I have reared more than two hundred Lonchodes amaurops Westwood, but have never found any spermatophores in this species although at least two other members of the genus produce them. References Bragg, P.E. (1991a) Spermatophores in Phasmida. The Entomologist, 110(2); 76-80. Bragg, P.E. (1991b) More spermatophores in Phasmida. The Phasmid Study Group Newsletter, 48: 8. Phasrmd Studies, 1(2): 25 PSG 118, Aretaon asperrimus (Redtenbacher) Paul Jennings, 14, Grenfell Avenue, Sunnyhill, Derby, DE3 7JZ. U.K.. Taxonomic and distribution notes by P.E. Bragg. Illustration of male by £. Newman. Key words Phasmida, Aretaon asperrimus. Breeding, Rearing. Classification This species was originally described as Obrimus asperrimus by Redtenbacher in 1906. In 1938 Rehn & Rehn established the new genus Aretaon (1938: 419), with asperrimus as the type species. I have examined the type specimens of this species and A, muscosus Redtenbacher, which are all in Vienna, and I found that the type specimens of A. asperrimus are all adults while those of A. muscosus are all nymphs. A. muscosus is distinguished by having more prominent spines, particularly on the front tibiae and the top of the abdomen. However, having reared A. asperrimus it is clear that nymphs of this genus are very spiny and these spines in particular are reduced when the insect becomes adult. It is therefore quite likely that A. asperrimus and A. muscosus are the same species. This possibility was considered and rejected by Gunther (1935: 123) but as he had not reared them he would not have known that the spines are reduced when the insects become adult. The species in culture is clearly A. asperrimus, however it has smaller spines than the type specimens so clearly the species is variable. The type specimens of A, muscosus are much more spiny than those in culture, I cannot therefore be certain that A. asperrimus and A, muscosus are the same species. As there is a strong possibility that they are the same species, I am listing the published references and distribution records for both species. Obrimus asperrimus Redtenbacher, 1906: 41, pi. I figs 4 & 5. Obrimus asperrimus Redtenbacher, Dohm, 1910: 398. Obrimus asperrimus Redtenbacher, Gunther, 1935: 123. Aretaon asperrimus (Redtenbacher), Rehn & Rehn, 1938: 421. Aretaon asperrimus (Redtenbacher), Bragg, 1991a: 76-80. Aretaon asperrimus (Redtenbacher), Bragg, 1991b: 18-21. Obrimus muscosus Redtenbacher, 1906: 41. Obrimus muscosus Redtenbacher, Gunther, 1935: 123. Aretaon muscosus (Redtenbacher), Rehn & Rehn, 1938: 422. Distribution A. asperrimus was originally described from Mt Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo. It has also been recorded from Labuan, off the north coast of Borneo (Gunther, 1935: 123), and from Luzon in the Philippines (Rehn & Rehn, 1938: 422). A. muscosus is recorded from: Mt Kinabalu (Redtenbacher 1906: 41) and Labuan (Rehn & Rehn, 1938: 422). I found a single male specimen at Kuala Belalong in the Temburong District of Brunei in August 1991, in addition to those mentioned below. Origin of culture The culture originates from several specimens collected at Poring Hot Springs, Mount Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, by Phil Bragg, C L Chan and myself in July 1992. Phasmid Studies, 1(2); 26 PSG 118, Aretaon asperrimus Geographical and climatic details Poring Hot Springs is at an altitude of about 2500 feet (760 meters) above sea level. The temperature during the evening that we were there was 25"’C and the humidity was 70-80%. Adults Both sexes are wingless. Table 1 contains the major measurements of my wild caught specimens. Measuring seven male and four female first generation captive bred specimens gave the following range of sizes: males 47-58mm, females 78-81mm. Female (Fig 1) The adult female is a plump, robustly built, non stick-like insect. On top of her head, there are two crest like ridges. These ridges consist of a series of spines, which are fused at the base. The top centre region of the head is covered with a number of small black shiny, pimple-like protuberances. The eyes are black, and mottled with yellow. Her antennae are moderately long and ordinary. On the dorsal surface of the thorax there are four symmetrically positioned, outwardly pointing raised areas. This is a very characteristic feature, and distinguishes this species from any other in culture. These raised areas consist of a cluster of spines with a common base, each terminating with a pointed conical spine, about 2mm long. These spines, which resemble thorns of a hawthorn bush, are burgundy in colour. There are also four other pairs of spines on the upper thorax, two pairs on the prothorax and two pairs on the mesothorax. In comparison to her thorax, her abdomen is quite smooth. The dorsal I^iS^re 1. Female A, asperrimus, surface of the abdominal segments have three rows of backwardly pointing spines, one spine, per row, per segment. The abdomen terminates with a upwardly curved, sharply pointed ovipositor, about 10mm in length. The top and Phasmid Studies, 1 ( 2 ): 27 Paul Jennings bottom parts match each other closely. The cerci are just visible. The entire under surface of her body is spineless, but there is a scattering of small dark tubercles. All three pairs of legs are thick and strong and similar in appearance. The femurs are spined. The hind legs feature the largest spines, but they are not sufficiently strong to inflict pain on humans. There is little colour variation between adult females reared in identical conditions. The base colour of the dorsal surface is a dark chocolate brown. This base colour is interspersed with lighter beige markings and patterning, including a fine central stripe on her thorax. The under side of the body is a lighter tan colour, particularly so on her thorax. The coloration of specimens that I have reared in captivity is very similar to that of the wild caught specimens. It has been noticed that adults reared in drier conditions are lighter in colour. Male (Fig 2) The male is a smaller, more slender, but a robustly built insect. The general formation and location of his spines are very similar to those of the female. The exceptions to this are the presence of only three pairs of spines on the thorax, instead of four and only a single row of spines on the upper surface of the abdomen. The four raised areas are similar in size to those of the female, giving the male a more thorny appearance. The tip of his abdomen is blunt and bulbous. The legs and their spine formations are similar in appearance to those of the female. Figure 2. Male A. asperrimus. His ground colour is a dark chocolate brown. There is a central beige dorsal stripe and another along each side, running along the thorax and part of the abdomen. The entire under surface of his thorax is beige apart from the small, randomly distributed dark pimples. The under surface of his abdomen is a light tan. Phasmid Studies, 1 ( 2 ); 28 PSG 118, Aretaon aspenimus An interesting feature of this species is that the male is frequently observed riding around on the back of the female (as was the adult pair that I found in Sabah), but without any signs of mating taking place. Eggs (Fig 3) This is a is slightly flattened cylinder, almost flat at the operculum end and approximately hemispherical at the other. The surface is smooth and a matt charcoal grey. Typical dimensions are length 5.5mm, depth 3mm and width 2.5mm. At eight times magnification the surface can be seen to be pitted, like those of Acrophylla wuelfingi, but much finer. The micropylar plate has the curious four arm shape, similar to the related Heteropteryx dilatata and Haaniella spp. The micropylar plate has two forms. Type 1 The two bottom arms of the micropylar plate go all the round and fuse together. Type 2 The two bottom arms of the micropylar plate do not go all the way round. I i Irnm Figure 3. Egg of A. asperrimus. The eggs are buried in the substrate. Eggs are often found in the tissue paper used to plug gaps between the food plant and water container. The female begins to lay eggs about four to five weeks after becoming adult. The eggs are laid at a rate of about one or two per 24 hours, presumably they are deposited individually. The eggs take approximately 12 to 13 weeks to hatch when kept at 22-26°C. Nymphs Newly hatched nymphs are very lively and start to feed easily. At this stage there is little colour variation, a medium brown, and it is not possible to determine the sex. The nymphs grow quite quickly. I recorded twenty two days between the first and second instar. By about the third instar it is easy to distinguish sexes, the most obvious differences being the developing ovipositor at the tip of the female’s abdomen. As the nymphs mature, they gain markings, becoming more colourful and showing some variation. The penultimate female instar is perhaps the most beautiful stage. The dorsal surface has an almost velvet like appearance and is intricately marked, with colours ranging from dark brown to fawn. Approximately 85% of nymphs survive to adulthood. Males mature more quickly than females, progressing through one instar less. The adults collected lived for about nine months. First generation adults lived for a similar period of time. Phasmid Studies, 1 ( 2 ); 29 Paul Jennings Defence The primary form of defence appears to be remaining still and relying on camouflage. Presumably they would be best suited to resting amongst dead twigs and branches or on bare branches on living trees. Once disturbed both nymphs and adults can move quickly until they find an alternative place to hide. Other members have noted that this species likes to hide whilst resting, for example inside a cardboard tube. Young nymphs arch their abdomens up over their backs, as do other phasmids, feigning a threat to sting. When handled, I have observed that adult females excrete a clear fluid from a pair of glands on the prothorax. This does not appear to cause any irritation or have any smell. Lengths (mm) Male Female Body & Head 55 86 Antenna 38 46 Fore legs 31 40 Mid legs 28 35 Hind legs 37 48 Table 1. Sizes of my wild caught Aretaon asperrimus. Foodplants I have only tried bramble, oak and evergreen oak, all of which was readily eaten. The specimens collected in Sabah were found on a variety of plants, including a plant similar in appearance to bramble. Genera] comments An easy species to rear when kept at about 24 to 3CPC and fairly humid. I have used cylinder cages with minimal ventilation to rear several generations. It is a lovely medium sized, non stick- like insect, and suitable for beginners. References Bragg, P.E. (1991a) Spermatophores in Phasmida. Entomologist , 110(2): 76-80. Bragg, P.E. (1991b) Spermatophores chez les Phasmida. Le Monde des Phasmes, 14: 18-21. Dohrn, H. (1910) Beitrag zur Kenntnis der Phasmiden. Stettiner Entomologische Zeitung, 71: 397-414. Gunther, K. (1935) Uber einige Phasmoiden aus der Sammlung des Herrn Dr. C. Willemse, Eijgelshoven. Natuurhistorisch Maandblad, 24: 123-126, 138-140. Redtenbacher, J. (1906) Die Insektenfamilie der Phasmiden, volume 1. Rehn, J.A.G. & Rehn, J.W.H. (1938) The Orthoptera of the Philippine Islands, Part I. - Phasmatidae; Obriminae. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, 90: 389-487. Phasmid Studies, 1(2): 30 PSG 128, Phyllium celebicum de Haan Frank Hennemann, Gartenstrasse 14, 6702 Bad Durkbeim, Germany. Key words Phasmida, Phyllium celebicum^ Breeding, Rearing. Distribution This species was first described by de Haan (1842: 111) from a female specimen from Tondano, Sulawesi (= Celebes). Gray (1843: 121) later described a male from the Philippines and illustrated the fore femur of the female. Westwood illustrated a male from the Philippines (Westwood 1859: pi. XL, fig. 6). Wood-Mason records it from Burma and illustrates the female and a female nymph (1875: 218, pi. XVI). Redtenbacher (1906: 175) additionally lists Vietnam, Seychelles, Laos, and Amboina. There are no subsequent records for the Seychelles so this was probably an error, Klante (1976: 63) gives a table which summarises the sizes of specimens from several of these localities. Other mentions in literature include Giglio-Tos (1914: 417), Rehn & Rehn (1933: 413, pi. 17, fig, 5) and Willemse (1945; 319, fig. 3). The present culture, PSG 128, originates from Thailand. Figure 1. Adults of Phyllium celebicum. Description of the adults The adult female has a body length of 87-92mm (Klante, 1976 also records 87-92mm) and the widest part of the abdomen is 34-39mm. The body colour is similar to other Phyllium species, Phasmid Studies, 1(2): 31 Frank Hennemann light or grass green. This species is easily distinguished from others in the genus. Other Phyllium females have no hind wings but under the elytra of the female of Phyllium celebicum fully developed wings are concealed; these are about 45mm long. The female is unable to fly because the body is too heavy. Only the mid and hind tibiae have no lobes. As in other Phyllium species, the antennae of the female are very short. Sizes (mm) Female Male 1st Instar Body length 87-92 55-60 12-15 Maximum body width 34-39 17-21 - Antennae 2.5-3.0 40 - Fore leg 40 30 - Mid leg 33 25 - Hind leg 40 25 - The adult male has a body length 55-60mm (Klante 1976 records 55-59). The greatest width of the abdomen is 17-2 1mm, on the third and fourth segments. His body colour is like that of the female, light or grass green. The body is wedge shaped and there are two transparent patches on the fourth abdominal segment. The wings are similar to those of other Phyllium species; they allow fluttering over short distances. As with the females, only the mid and hind tibiae are the only parts of the legs without lobes. In common with other species in the genus, the antennae of the male are much longer than the female’s. Eggs (fig 2) The eggs are shaped like a small deformed "jerry can" and are 5mm long and 3.5mm wide. The colour is a dull brown. The edges look like they are moss covered and around the capitulum and micropylar plate the egg is covered with some small holes. The micropylar plate is oval with the ends pointed. The capitulum is big and cone shaped. Eggs should be incubated at 24-26°C and high humidity (70- 80%). The best medium is peat. Nymphs (fig 3) The newly hatched nymphs are chestnut coloured and have white spots on the body and legs. The body length is 12- 15 mm on hatching. When they are older they become light green like the adults. In the third instar you can distinguish males and females; females are a bit bigger and have a wider abdomen than males. In the fourth instar you can distinguish the longer antennae of the males. I keep my nymphs in a well ventilated cage at 22-24°C and spray them once or twice per day. Defence Nymphs try to escape by running away, adults do the same. What is not well known, is that Phyllium species possess defence glands like those of Anisomorpha buprestoides and Oreophoetes Figure 2. The egg of Phyllium celebicum. Phasmid Studies. 1 ( 2 ): 32 PSG 128, Phyllium celebicum Figure 3. The nymph of Phyllium celebicum. peruanas. They are situated on both sides of the pronotum and are used against predators like birds and monkeys. Rearing This species seems to be easier to rear than the other Phyllium species which have been in culture for some years in Europe (P, bioculatum, P, giganteum, P, pulchrifolium). Adults and nymphs should be kept warm (22-28°C) and humid (70-80%). The foodplant should be sprayed daily, this is important for the skin shedding. In these conditions nymphs take about six months to become adult. Foodplants Bramble, oak and pyracantha are eaten, nothing else has been tried. References Giglio-Tos, H. (1914) Results of the Arbor Expedition 1911/12. Part V. XXXI Orthoptera, III: Mantidae et Phasmidae. Records of the Indian Museum, 8: 415-423. Gray, G.R. (1843) Description of the species of the genus Phyllium. Zoologist, (1)1: 117-123, Haan, W. de (1842) Bijddragen tot de Kennis Orthoptera. in Temrainck, Verhandelingen over de Natuurlijke Geschiedenis der Nederlandsche Overzeesche Bezittingen. Volume 2. Klante, H. (1976) Die "Wandelnden Blatter" Eine taxonomische Revision der Gattung Phyllium 111. (Insecta Orthoptera, Phasmatoptera). Zoologische Beitrdge, 22: 49-76. Redtenbacher, J. (1906) Die Insektenfamilie der Phasmiden. Volume 1. Leipzig. Rehn, J.A.G. & Rehn, J.W.H. (1933) On certain species of the genus Phyllium (Orthoptera; Phasmidae). Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 85: 411-427, pi. 16-17. Westwood, J.O. (1859) Catalogue of Orthopterous insects in the collection of the British Museum, Part /, Phasmidae. London. Wood-Mason, J, (1875) On new or little known species of Phasmidae, with a brief preliminary notice of the occurrence of a clasping apparatus in the males throughout the family. Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. 44: 215-220 pi. XVI & XVII. Willemse, C. (1945) On Phyllium species, known from the Key Islands. (Orthoptera: Phasmidae, Phylliinae). Tijdschrifi voor Entomologie, 88; 316-322. Phastmd Studies, 1(2): 33 PSG 28, Eurycnema herculeana (Charpentier) Frank Hennemann, Gartenstrasse 14, 6702 Bad Diirkheun, Germany. Taxonomic notes by P.E. Bragg. Key words Phasmida, Eurycnema herculeana, Eurycnema versifasciata. Breeding, Rearing. Taxonomy When I started to list the synonymy of this species I found that there was confusion in the published synonyms. Westwood (1859: 107) gave E, herculeana (Charpentier) as a junior synonym of E. versirubra (Serville), and also said these (and also E, versifasciata) were just a variation of E. goliath (Gray). Kirby (1904: 391) also considered E, herculeana to be a junior synonym of E, versirubra. Redtenbacher (1908: 468) listed E. herculeana as a species but also indicated E. versifasciata (Serville) as a probable synonym. Redtenbacher then gave E. versirubra as a junior synonym of Eurycnema goliath (Gray). Although I have not examined the type specimens, there has been so much confusion that it seems quite possible that Westwood was correct in thinking that all four of these species may be just variations of the same species. One thing is clear however, E. herculeana is probably not the valid name for this species. If Kirby’s synonym was correct, the name should be E. versirubra: if Redtenbacher’ s synonym is correct, the name should be E. versifasciata: if Westwood was correct, the name should be E. goliath. In any of these cases, E. herculeana would be incorrect as it is not the oldest name. However below I list only papers which mention the name herculeana. Cyphocrania herculeana, Charpentier, 1841a: pi. 1. Cyphocrania herculeana Charpentier, Charpentier, 1841b: 283. Eurycnema herculeana (Charpentier), Brunn, 1898: 148. Eurycnema herculanea (Charpentier), Hanitsch, 1902: 35-38. [misspelling] Eurycnema herculeana (Charpentier), Redtenbacher, 1908: 468, Eurycnema herculeana (Charpentier), Werner, 1934: 4. Cyphocrania goliath (Gray, 1834: 45). [Synonymised by Westwood, 1859: 107.] = Cyphocrania hanitschi 1898: 89, [Synonymised by Brunn, 1898: 160,] ? Eurycnema versifasciata (Serville), Redtenbacher, 1908: 468. Eurycnema versirubra (Serville), Kirby 1904: 391. In view of this confusion, it is worth mentioning three papers which deal with breeding E, versifasciata from West Malaysia. These are by Geitel (1913), Kitchener (1960) and Nadchatram (1963); Kitchener referred to his as E. goliath but this was corrected by Nadchatram. One final point on the classification, I do not know who identified the PSG culture or how certain they were. I have not attempted to identify the species myself. Distribution The PSG culture originates from West Malaysia. There is quite a detailed report of this species being reared in captivity in Singapore in 1897 (Hanitsch 1902). The species is sexual in the wild but all cultures appear to have been parthenogenetic. This species was originally described from Java and is also recorded from Timor, and Amboina by Redtenbacher (1908). Phasmid Studies, 1(2): 34 PSG 28, Eury enema herculeana Adults This is one of the larger phasmids to come out of West Malaysia. The adult females look like green versions of Acrophyll a wuelfingi (Redtenbacher). The female (fig. 1) reaches a body length of 190-220mm. It has a grass-green basic colour with some dark green shading on the legs. On the head there are two blueish stripes. The feet, antennae and eyes are light reddish-brown. The elytra are green with some creamy white markings; the undersides are pink. The wings are transparent blueish green and are quite large, spanning 145-155mm, but are not used for flight because the body is much too heavy. They are just used to break the fall if the insect drops from the foodplant. The mesonotum bears many large spines and some dark green or brown lines on the underside. The abdomen swells to a thickness of about 15mm. The genital operculum (fig. 2) is very large and protrudes more than 15mm beyond the end of the abdomen, it is used as a sort of sling to throw the eggs. The cerci are very big and irregularly formed. The legs are all serrated and, especially on the hind tibiae, there are many large spines which are used for defence in a similar way to Heteropteryx dilatata (Parkinson). At the end of the hind tibiae are two large, brown lobes (fig. 3.). Leg lengths are about: fore 95mm, mid 70mm, hind 100mm. The antennae are around 15mm long. The male has a body length of about 130mm and is a greenish brown colour. Phasmid Studies, 1(2): 35 Frank Hennemann Eggs (fig. 4) The eggs are about 6mm long, 4mm high and 3.5mm wide. The colour is mostly a reddish light-brown but sometimes can be black. The micropylar plate is very small and is the same colour as the egg. The operculum is a flat, round, reddish brown plate; it bears a very big, light brown, capitulum on its centre which disappears when the egg gets older. Eggs should be incubated at 25-30°C and a high humidity (80%) on a sand and peat mix. In these circumstances the nymphs hatch in about 6-15 months. Figure 3. Hind tibia. Nymphs (fig. 5) The newly hatched nymph has a body length of about 28mm, a big round head and short antennae. The body colour is a shiny dark brown with some lighter markings on the head and legs. On each side of the body there is a greenish yellow stripe which ends at the eighth abdominal segment. At the end of the abdomen, as in the adults, there are two very large cerci. Figure 4. Egg of Eury enema herculeana. Defence Nymphs try to escape by running or walking away. In addition, adults flash their wings or pinch with their hind legs. Foodplants The best foodplant seems to be Strawberry {Fragaria sp.), but I feed mine with Bramble {Rubus sp.) in winter and Oak {Quercus sp.) in summer. Noel Mai reported that his also appreciate Phasmid Studies, 1 ( 2 ); 36 PSG 28, Eury enema herculeana Guava (Psidium guayava), A friend of mine told me that his also eat Raspberry (Rubus idaeus). General comments This is one of the more difficult species to rear successfully. Adults should be kept in a large well ventilated cage at about 25°C at night and 30^0 in the daytime. Humidity should never be lower than 75%. Large nymphs should be kept in separate 50cm high cages, only one nymph per cage, to give them plenty of room to shed their skins. References Bninn, M. (1898) Parthenogenese bei Phasmiden, beobachtet durch einen uberseeischen Kaufraann. Mitteilungen Naturhistorischen Museum Hamburgh 15: 147-161. Charpentier, T. de (1841a) Orthoptera descripta & depicta, Lipsiae. Charpentier, T. de (1841b) Einige Bennerkungen die Orthopteren betreffend, besonders in bezug auf Burmeisters und Servilles Schriften. Germar's Zeitschrift JUr entomoL, 3: 283. Geitel H. (1913) Die Aufzuchl von Eurycnema versifasciata (Phasmidae). Entomologische Zeitschrift^ 24(14): 73-76. Gray, G.R. (1834) Descriptions of several species of Australian Phasmata. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London, 1: 45-46. Hanitsch, R. (1902) On the parlhenogenetic breeding of Eurycnema herculanea, Charpentier. yowmai of the Royal Asiatic Society, Straits Branch, 38: 35-38. Hannan, AJ.E. (1988) The natural history of Chinese drugstores. The Sabah Society Journal, 8(4): 435-436. Kirby, F.W. (1904) i4 synonymic catalogue of Orthoptera. Volume 1. British Museum (Natural History), London. Kitchener, HJ. (1960) The Giant Stick Insect - Eurycnema goliath Gray. Malayan Nature Journal, 14: 147-151, pi. 6-8. Nadchatram, M. (1963) The Winged Stick \asecX, Eurycnerrm versifasciata Serville (Phasmida, Phasraatidae), with special reference to its life-history, Malayan Nature Journal, 17: 33-40. Redtenbacher, J. (1908) Die Insektenfamilie der Phasmiden, Volume 3. Leipzig. Sharp, D. (1898) Account of the Phasmidae, with notes on the eggs, in Willey, A.: Zoological results of the tranverse of Venus expedition. Volume 2. Cambridge University Press. Werner, F. (1934) Mantides et phasmides recueilles dans les indes orientales. Bulletin du Musee royal d’Histoire naturelle de Belgique, 10(22): 1-5. Westwood, J.O. (1859) Catalogue of Orthopterous insects in the collection of the British Museum. Part 1 Phasmidae. London. Phasnud Studies, 1(2): 37 The Phasmid Database P.E. Bragg, 8, Cornwall Ave, Beeston Rylands, Nottingham, NG9 INL, UK. Key words Phasmida, Genera, Taxonomy, Identification, Classification, Computer, Database. Introduction The Phasmid Database consists of three computer files which have been developed over a period of three and a half years. It originally st£irted as a small scale project to list all the names and authors of Bornean Phasmida but has been extended to include the name, date, publication, and recorded localities of all the described phasmids in the world. The Phasmid Database is the most up-to-date source of information on all the described species of Phasmids, As a computerised system it offers far more flexibility than traditional formats. At the moment The Phasmid Database is by no means completed, but has reached the stage where I consider that it will be of use to other people and 1 have therefore decided to make it generally available. The Phasmid Database is made up of three database files. The species file contains the original generic and specific names, authors, dates, publication titles and page references, and type localities for all described Phasmida. The genera file contains all valid genera, and includes the author, date, subfamily and tribe for each genus. The subfams file contains the families and subfamilies. The genera and subfams files can be linked together, at a later stage it will also be possible to link the species file with them. The taxonomy of the families, subfamilies and tribes is a slightly corrected form of that used by Bradley & Galil (1977). Due to the original concept and some early difficulties in obtaining copies of important monographs, the data entered in the early stages was often very limited and resulted in some errors. Many, if not all, of these early errors have since been corrected. Whenever possible the original publications have been consulted; accumulation of papers and checking is an on-going process. Distribution data is made up of the original locality and subsequent published records. All localities are recorded in one field of the database; the original localities are followed by a full stop and the subsequent localities which are separated by commas. The later records have been added by searching through over 1000 papers in my own collection. My collection of papers consists mainly of large works by any authors, papers by authors who produced numerous papers concerned with distribution of phasmids (Hebard, Gunther, Rehn,) and papers which deal specifically with South East Asia. There is a bias towards papers published in English. Uses The species file should prove of use to Museums and individuals for a variety of purposes. Nothing comprehensive has been published since Brunner von Wattenwyl & Redtenbacher’s work (1906-1908) which is now very much out of date; because of its comprehensive nature, it is likely to continue to be the starting point for identification for some time. The species file can provide information on the 2916 described species; of these 21% (624 species) have been described since the 1908 monograph. The genera file can suggest related genera which may require investigation. The most obvious uses of the database are to: 1. Check post- 1908 species, or those which were missed out by Brunner & Redtenbacher and are Phasmid Studies, 1(2): 38 The Phasraid Database therefore not in their keys. 2. Find literature, descriptions, drawings etc. on recently described species. 3. Produce Geographical distribution lists. However it can be used for more trivial pursuits such as counting the number of species described by particular authors, or the number of species described each decade (fig. 1.). Figure 1. Number of species described each decade from 1850 to 1992. Changes to genera given in Bradley & Galil Bradley & Galil’s (1977) paper contains numerous errors, including spelling errors in the generic names. These have been corrected as have some more major errors and omissions, however there are still some points which still require checking. Some of the more important corrections are listed below: 1. Some valid genera were omitted: a) Moritasgus Gunther 1935, in the subfamily Necrosciinae, this is not listed in either Zoological Record or Neave (1940, 1950, 1960). b) Extatosoma Gray 1835, which I have placed in the tribe Tropidoderini. 2. A number of invalid genera were included by Bradley & Galil, these are not included in the database: a) Battacus Werner 1918 and Eurynecroscia Dohm 19 10 are both junior synonyms of Tagesoidea Redtenbacher 1908 (the type species are both synonyms of Tagessoidea nigrofasdata Redtenbacher). b) Echinodonia Carl 1913 is a junior synonym of Apora Brunner 1908. PhasTtud Studies, 1 ( 2 ): 39 P,E. Bragg c) Platyphasma Uvarov 1940 is a junior objective synonym of Planispectrwn Rehn & Rehn 1938. d) Chersaeus Redtenbacher 1908 is a junior synonym of Phaerwpharos Kirby 1904. e) Dixippus Stal 1875 and Phasgania Kirby 1896 are both junior synonyms of Carausius St41 1875. f) Lamarchiniis Uvarov 1940 replaces Lamachus St^ 1877 because St^’s name was preoccupied by Lamachus Foerster 1868. Although Uvarov’s spelling of Lamarchus was incorrect (1940: 175), it is clear that he was referring to Lamachus so the replacement name is valid . 3. Three subgenera of Redtenbacher’s, Epidares, Hemiplasta, and Rhamphosipyloidea were listed as genera. One (Hemiplasta) was raised to generic status by Gunther (1939: 88). Although treating the other two as genera may have been unintentional by Bradley & Galil, I am treating it as a deliberate policy. Redtenbacher only used subgenera in these three cases so he clearly considered the differences significant and raising these to generic status is not unreasonable. 4. The subfamily name Bacteriinae is used in preference to Cladomorphinae which was used by Bradley and Galil. The latter name, created by Brunner (1893: 90) was based on a previously published junior synonym (Westwood, 1859: 72) and is therefore invalid. For the same reason the tribal name Bacteriini is used in place of Cladomorphini. 5. The tribal name Neopromachini is used in preference to Menexenini. Use of Bradley and GaliFs key (1977: 181), which is based on Gunther’s paper (1953), places the genus Menexenus in the tribe Lonchodini (as did Gunther). Menexenini is therefore not a valid name for the tribe as it is based on a genus (Menexenus) which is not in that group. The name Neopromachini, proposed by Gunther (1953: 560), is correct. 6. The genus Paras theneboea is listed twice by Bradley & Galil; once, correctly, as Parastheneboea Redtenbacher in the Necrosciinae and once, incorrectly, as Parastheneboea Carl in the Lonchodini. The entry under Lonchodini appears to be a error copied from Gunther (1953: 560), who presumably intended to refer to Pseudostheneboea Carl. 7. The genus Thaumatobactron Gunther 1929 is included by Bradley and Galil, as is Poecilobactron Gunther, both listed in the Eurycanthinae. 1 can find no mention of Poecilobactron in any of Gunther’s papers except for "'Poecilobactron Gthr. 1930" in a list of genera in the Eurycanthinae (1956: 556); this list does not include Thaumatobactron. I believe that this was an error by Gunther, the type species of Thaumatobactron is T. poecilosoma, and Gunther appears to have confused the names in his 1953 paper which was then copied by Bradley & Galil. Gunther only published two papers in 1930 (Urich 1975) and I have checked both of these and find no reference to Poecilobactron, although one mentions Thaumatobactron (1930b: 732); the other paper concerns South American species (1930a). I have therefore omitted Poecilobactron from the database. 8. There are two cases of genera which may be valid although Bradley & Galil did not consider them as such. These involve type species which have been placed in different genera and synonymised differently by various authors, 1 have not yet resolved these cases and have therefore included the genera in the database. These are: Bacillidium Uvarov 1939 (a replacement name for Bactridium Saussure 1868) and Dyme Stal 1875. 9. There have been some changes published since Bradley & Galil’s paper: a) Micrarchus Carl 1913 is a junior synonym of Pachymorpha Westwood 1859. b) The following new genera have been described: Microcanachus Donskoff 1988, Parahyrtacus Hausleithner 1990, Pseudoclitarchus Salmon 1991 and Spinotectarchus Salmon 1991. The genera, with their subfamily, tribe, author and date of publication are listed below in alphabetical order. Phasnuri Studies, 1 ( 2 ): 40 The Phasmid Database GENUS SUBFAMILY TRIBE AUTHOR DATE Abrosoma A schiphasnutinac - Rcdlcnbachcr 1906 Acacfts Nccrosciinac - Bnmncr I90T7 Acanthoclonia Pygtthyochinac - StaJ 1875 Acanthoderus Pachymorphinac Pachymorphini Gray 1835 Acanthodyta Euiycanthinac - Sharp 1898 Acanthogra^ea Platycnnioac - Gunther 1931 A cantfwmetriotes Pscudophaamatinac Xerosomatini Hchard 1924 Acanihotnima Pbaatnatinac Acanthominunl Kilby 1904 Acanthoxyla Ptuamatinac AcanthoxyUni Uvarov 1944 Achrioptera Phaamatinac Achiioplcrinl Coqucrel 1861 Acrophylla Ptuamatiiuc phasmatini Gray 1835 Agamemnon Bactcninac Hcspcrophasmatlni Moxcy 1971 Agalhemera Pscudophasmatlnac Anisomoiphinl Slil 1875 Agrostia Pscudopbasmatinae Stiatoclcini Rcdtenbachcr 1906 Anarchodes Nccrosciinac - Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Anasceles Nccrosciinac - Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Anchiale Phaamatinac Phasmatini Stil 1875 Andropromachus Nccrosciinac - Carl 1913 Anisa Pscudopha s matinac Stiatoclcini Rcdtcobachcr 1906 Anisacantha Hclcroptciyginac Anisacanthinl Rcdtcobachcr 1906 Anisomorpha Pscudophasmatlnac Anisomorphini Gray 1835 Anophelepis Pla^craninac - Westwood 1859 Antherice Pscudophasmatlnac Stiatoclcini Rcdtcobachcr 1906 Antangilia BaciDmac Antongilini Rcdlcnbachcr 1906 Aploploides Bacteriinac Hcspcrophasmatlni Refan & Hcbard 1938 Aplopus Bactciiinac Hcspcrophasmatlni Gray 1835 Apora Nccrosciinac - Bnamcr 1907 A re toon Hctcroplciyginac Obrimini Rcfan &. Rchn 1938 Argosarchus Phaamatinac Acanthoxylini Brunner 1898 Arphax Phaamatinac Acanthoxylini Sdl 1875 Aruanoidea Nccrosciinac - Brunner 1893 Asceles Nccrosciinac - Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Aschiphasma Aschipha smatinac - Westwood 1830 Ascbiphasm odes Nccrosciinac - Karny 1923 Asprenas Euiycanthinac - Slil 1875 Asystata Nccrosciinac - Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Alhertonia Tropidodcrinac Tropidodcrini Sjostedt 1918 Autotyca Pscudophasmatlnac Anisomorphini Stil 1875 Bacillidium Bactcninac Cladoxcrini ? Uvarov 1939 Bacillus BaciUinac Bacilllni Audinct-Scrvillc 1825 Bacteria Bactcninac Bactcriini LalrciUc 1825 Baclricia Hctcronemiinac Libcthrini Kirby 1904 Bactrododema Palophinae - Sta] 1858 Baculum Phasmatlnac Baculini Saussurc 1870 Bacunculus Pscudopha smatinac Bacunculini Bunneister 1838 Balhycharax BaciUinac Xylicini Kirby 1896 Bosira Bactcninac Hcspcrophasmatlni Sta] 1875 Brachyelena Pscudophasmatlnac Stiatoclcini Hcbard 1933 Brachyrhamphus Pla^craninac - Cart 1915 Brachyrtacus Loochodinac Ncopromachini Sharp 1898 Brasidas Hctcroptciy g inac Obrimini Rchn & Rchn 1938 Brizoides Pscudophasmatlnac Stiatoclcini Rcdlcnbachcr 1906 Burria Pachymorph inac Ramulini Bnmncr 1900 CaUisia Nccrosciinac - StaJ 1875 Calynda Hctcroacmiinac Hctcroocmiini Stal 1875 Canachus Euiycanthinac - Slal 1875 Candaules Nccrosciinac - Slil 1875 Canuleius Pygirhynchinac - Slal 1875 Carausius Loochodinac Loochodini Slal 1875 Cenlema Nccrosciinac - Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Centrophasma Nccrosciinac - Rcdlcnbachcr 1908 Ceratiscus Pachymorphinac Ramulini CaudeU 1904 Cercophylla Nccrosciinac - Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Ceroys Pygirhynchinac - Audincl-ScrviUc 1835 Chiloniscus Phylliinac - Slil 1875 Chlorophasma Pscudophasmatlnac Stiatoclcini Rcdtcobachcr 1906 Chondrostethus Loncfaodinac Loochodini Kirby 1896 Cirsia BaciUinac Antongilini Rcdlcnbachcr 1906 Citrina Pscudophasmatliuc Stiatoclcini Rcdlcnbachcr 1906 Cladoxerus Bactciiinac Cladoxcrini Latrcillc 1825 Clitarchus Phasmatlnac Acanthoxylini Slal 1875 Clonistria Bactciiinac Hcspcrophasmatlni Slal 1875 Phasmid Studies, 1 ( 2 ); 41 P.E. Bragg Qonopsis BaciUiiuc Bacillini Pantcl 1915 Cnipsus Eufycantbinac * Rcdtcnbachcr 1908 Cookto^nia Xcrodcrinac - Sjosledt 1918 Cotylosoma Xcrodcriaac - Wood-Mason 1878 Craspedonia Bactcriiiue Craspcdooiini Westwood 1843 Creaxylus Pscudophasmatiiuc Xcrosomatini Audinct-Scrvillc 1839 Ctenomorpha Fbumatiiuc Phasmatini Gray 1833 Ctenomorphcdes Phuautmac Phasmatini Kamy 1923 Cylindomeim Nccrosciiiuc - Gunther 1935 Dagys Ptchymorphiiuic H cm ipachy morphini Gunther 1935 Dajaca Pscudophasnutinae Prisopodini Brunner 1893 Damasippouies Pscudopbasmatinac Prisopodini Brancsik 1893 Damasippus Pscudophasnutinac Prisopodini Stal 1875 Dares Hctcroptciy g inac Datamini Stil 1875 Datames Hcteropicryginac Datamini Stal 1875 Decidia Pscudopha smatiiue Anisomorphini Stil 1875 Dematobactron Palophinae - Karay 1923 Diacanlhoidea Nccrosciinac - Rcdtcnbachcr 1908 Diangelus Nccrosciinac - Brunner 1907 Diapherodes Bacteriinac Hcspcrophasmatini Gray 1835 Diapheromera Hctcroaemlinac Hctcroncrniini Gray 1835 Diardia Nccrosciinac - Rcdtcnbachcr 1908 Didymuria Tropidodcrinac Tropidodcrini Kirby 19W Diesbachia Nccrosciinac - Rcdtcnbachcr 1908 Dilophocephalus Nccrosciinac - Tolido Piza 1938 Dinelytron Pscudopha smatinac Prisopodini Gray 1835 Dinophasma A schiphasmatinac - Uvarov 1940 Dryococelus Euiycanthinac - Gumey 1947 Dyme Hdcronciniinae Libcthrini Stal 1875 Echetlus Pla^craninac - Stal 1875 Echinolhorax Loocbodinac Loochodini ’ Gunther 1931 Ectenloria Pbasmatinac Baculini Brunner 19G7 Elicius Pla^craninac - Gunther 1935 EpibacUlus BactUinac Bacillini Rcdtcnbachcr 1906 Epicharmus Xcrodcriaac - Stal 1875 Epidares Hctcroptcryginac Datamini Rcdtcnbachcr 1906 Erastus Pla^craninac - Rcdtcnbachcr 1908 Erringtonia Phasmatinac Baculini Bruimcr 1907 Eubias Nccroscibac - Gunther 1935 Eubulides Hctcroptcryginac Obrimini Stal 1877 Euobrimus Hcteroptcryg inac Obrimini Rehn & Rchn 1938 Eupromachus Loocbodinac Ncopromachini Bnmncr 1907 Eurycantha Euiycanthinac - Boisduval 1835 Eurycnema Phasmatinac Phasmatini A udlnet-Serv i lie 1839 Extatosoma Tropidodcrinac T ropidodcrini Gray 1833 Galaclea Nccrosciinac - Rcdtcnbachcr 1908 Gargantuoidea Nccrosciinac - Rcdtcnbachcr 1908 Gharianus Phasmatinac Baculini Wemcr 1908 Giganlophastna Phasmatinac Phamaciini Sharp 1898 Gongylopus Pachymoq>hinac Ramulini Bnmncr 1907 Graeffea Pla^craninac * Bnmncr 1868 Greenia Loocbodinac Loochodini Kilby 1896 Haaniella Hctcroptcryginac Hcteroptcryg ini Kirby 1904 Harpuna Pscudophasmatinac Xcrosomatini Rcdtcnbachcr 1906 Hemipachym orpha Pachymoiphinac Hcmipachymorphini Kirby 1904 Hemiplasta Nccrosciinac - Rcdtcnbachcr 1908 Hemisosibia Nccrosciinac - Rcdtcnbachcr 1908 Hermarchus Phasmatinac Phamaciini Stal 1875 I iesp erophasma Baclcriinac Hesperopha smatini Rehn 1901 Heterocopus Hctcroptcryginac Obrimini Rcdtcnbachcr 1906 Heteronemia Hctcroncmiinac Hctcroocmiini Gray 1835 Helerophasma Tropidodcrinac Monandroptcrini Rcdtcnbachcr 1908 Heteropteryx Hctcroptciyginac Hcteroptcryg mi Gray 1835 Hirudeius Baclcriinac Bactcriini Stal 1875 Hoica Pscudophasmatinac Stratoclcini Rcdtcnbachcr 1906 Holcoides Pscudophasmatinac Stratoclcini Hcbard 1919 Hoploclonia Hctcroptciy g inac Obrimini Stal 1875 Hm'ospectrum Phasmatinac Achrioptcrini Rchn 1940 Hyriacus Loocbodinac Ncoprooiachini Stal 1875 Ignacia Pscudophasmatinac Pscudophas matini Rchn 1904 Uocano Hctcroptcryginac Obrimini Rehn & Rehn 1938 hagoras Pscudophasmatinac Xcrosomatini Stal 1875 Ischnophasma Palophinac - Uvarov 1940 Kalokorinnis Korinninac - Gunther 1932 Phasmid Studies, 1 ( 2 ): 42 The Phasmid Database Kimberieyana Tropidodcrinac Tropidodcrini Sjostedt 1918 Korinnis Korinniiue - Gunther 1932 Labidiophasma Euiycanthinac - Carl 1915 Lamachodes Ncciosciinac - Rcdtcobachcr 1908 LamarcMnus NccTOSciinac - Uvarrjv 1940 Lamponius Bacterimac Hesperophasmatini Stal 1875 Ldophasma PygtAyochinac - Uvarov 1940 Leosthenes Xcrodcrinac - Stil 1875 Leprocatdutus Nocrosciiiue - Uvarov 1940 Leprodes Bacflliiue Antoogilini Rcdlcnbachcr 1906 Leptynia Pachymorphinae RamuJini Pantcl 1890 Leptyniella Pachymorphiiue Ramulini Bolivar 1926 Ubethra Hdcroactniinac Libcthrini StA] 1875 Ubethroidea Hdcroacmiinac Libcthrini Hcbard 1919 Litosermyle Hctcroacmiinae Hctcroocmiini Hcbard 1919 Lonchodes Loacbodinae Loochodini Gray 1835 Lopaphus Nccrosciimc - Westwood 1859 Loxopsis Nccrosciimc - Westwood 1859 Lysicles Tropidodcrinac Tropidodcrini SOI 1877 Macellina Pachymorphinae Ramulini Uvarov 1940 Macynia Bacillioac Bacillihi Stal 1875 MaUmdania Tropidodcrinac Tropidodcrini Sjostedt 1918 Malandella Nccrosciinac - Sjostedt 1918 Manduria Loochodinac Neopromachini Stal 1877 Manomera Hctcroacmtinac Hctcroocmiini Rchn & Hcbard 1907 Marcenia Loochodinac Lonchodini Sjostedt 1918 Marmessoidea Nccrosciinac - Brunner 1893 Meamsiana Hctcroptcryg inac Obrimini Rchn & Rehn 1938 Medaura Phasmatinac Baculini Sti] 1875 Megacrania Pbtycraninac * Kaup 1871 Megaphasma Hctcroncmiinac Hctcroocmiini CaudeU 1903 Meionecroscia Nccrosciinac - Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Menexenus Loochodinac Neopromachini Stal 1875 Mesaner Nccrosciinac - Rcdlcnbachcr 1908 Melentoria Phasmatinac Baculini Brunner 1907 Melriophasma Pflcudopha smatinac Xcrosomatini Uvarov 1940 Micadina Nccrosciinac - Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Microcanachus Eiuycanthinae - Dooskoff 1988 Mimarchus Pachymorphinae Pachymorphlni Carl 1913 Miroceramia Hctcroptcryg inac Hctcroptcryg ini Gunther 1934 Miroceroys I^g irhynchinac - Toledo Piza 1936 Mirophasma Pygirhynchinac - Rcdlcnbachcr 1906 Milhrenes Loochodinac Lonchodini Stal 1877 Mnesilochus Loochodinac Lonchodini Stal 1877 M onandroptera Tropidodcrinac Moodand ropierin i Audinet-ServiJIc 1839 Moritasgus Nccrosciinac - GQnthcr 1935 Mortiles Loochodinac Neopromachini Gunther 1935 Myrofiides Loochodinac Lonchodini Stal 1875 Nanophyllium PhyOiinac - Rcdlcnbachcr 1906 Nearchus Phasmatinac Pharnaciini Rcdlcnbachcr 1908 Necrosda Nccrosciinac - Audbct-ScrvUlc 1839 Necrosciodes Nccrosciinac - Karny 1923 Neoclides Nccrosciinac - Uvarov 1940 Neopromacbus Loochodinac Neopromachini Gigtlo-Tos 1912 Nescicroa Nccrosciinac - Kamy 1923 Nesiophasma PhasQutinac Baculiiu Gunther 1934 Nisyrus Xcroderinac - Stil 1877 Obrimus Hctcroptcryg inac Obrimini Stal 1875 Ocnobius Bacilliiue Xylicbi Rcdtcobachcr 1906 Ocnophila Hctcroncmiinac Hetcroocmiini Brunner 1907 Olcyphides Pscudopha smatinac Stratocicini GrifTini 1899 Olinta Pscudopha smatinac Xcrosomatini Rcdtcobachcr 1906 Ommalopseudes Platycranmae - Gunther 1942 Oncfiestus Phasmatinac Phasnutini SlAl 1877 Oncotophasma Hctcroocmiiiuc Hctcroocmiini Rehn 1904 Onogastris Bacillinac Antongilini Rcdlenbacher 1906 Ophicrania Platycraninae - Kaup 1871 Oreophasma Pachjnmorphinae Hcmipachy morp h in i Gunther 1929 Oreophoeles Hctcroncmiiiuc Hctcroocmiini Rehn 1904 Orestes Hctcroptcryg iiuc Datamini Rcdlcnbachcr 1906 Orthomeria Aschiphasmatinac - Kirby 1904 Onhonecroscia Nccrosciinac - Kirby 1904 Orxines Nccrosciinac - Stal 1875 Ofraleus Nccrosciinac - Gunther 1935 Fhasmid Studies, 1 ( 2 ): 43 P.E. Bragg Oxyartes Nccroscimae - Stil 1875 Pachymorpfia Pachymorphinac Pachymorphini Gray 1835 PachyphJoea FygiAyochiiuic - Rcdlcabaehcr 1906 Pachyscia Nccroscimac - Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Palophus Palophnuc - Westwood 1859 Papuanoidea Ptusmatinac Phasnutini Werner 1930 Parabacillus Pachymcnphiiue Raonilhii Caudell 1903 ParabactruHum Bacterinue Cladoxerini Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Parabrosoma AschiphasituKiiuc - GigUo-Tos 1910 Paracanachus Euiycanthmac - Carl 1915 Paracenlema Nccrosciiiue - Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Paraclitumnus Phasmatiiue Baculioi Brunner 1893 Paracyphocrania Ptiaanutiaae Phasmatini Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Paradiacanlha Necrose iinae - Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Parahyrtacus Looebodnue Ncoprocnachini Hauslcithncr 1990 Paraleptynia PachyoHnpbiiuc Ramulini CaudeU Paralaxopsis Necrose iioae - Gunlbcr 1934 Paramenexenus Necrose iioac - Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Paramyronides Necrose imae - Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Paranecrosda Necrose tinae - Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Paranisomorpha Pseudophasoiatiiue Antsomorphini Rcdtcobachcr 1906 Parapha Pacfaymorphinac Ramulini Brunner 1893 Paraphasma Pscudofriiasmatmac Stntoclcini Rcdtcobachcr 1906 Paraprisopus Pscudophasmatinae Prisopodini Rcdtcobachcr 1906 Parasipyioidea Nccrosciinac - Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Parasosibia Nocrosciinae - Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Parastheneboea Nocrosciinac - Rcdtcnbacher 1908 Paraslralodes Pscudophasmatinae Stratoclciai Rcdtcobachcr 1906 Parecuitosoma Heteroptcry g hue Anisacanthini Wood-Masoo 1879 Paronckestus Phasautinae Phasmatini Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Parorobia PyghbyDchinac - Chopard 1952 Paroxyartes Nccrosctinae - Carl 1913 Peloriana Pbasmatinae Fbasmalini Uvarov 1940 Periceniropsis Loocbodiiuc Loochodini Gunther 1936 Periphetes Looebodmae Looebodini Stal 1877 Periphloea Pscudophasmatinae Prisopodini Rcdtcobachcr 1906 Perlioda Pscudophasmatlnae Xerosooutini Rcdtcobachcr 1906 Phaenopharos Nccrosciinac - Kirby 1901 Phae4?phasma Pscudophascnatiiuc Prisopodini Rcdtcobachcr 1906 Phalces Bacillinac Antongilini Stal 1875 Phantasca Hcteroacmiinac Libcthrini Rcdtcnbacher 1906 Phamacia Pbasmatinae Phanuciini Stal 1877 Phasma Pbasmatinae Phasmatini Lichtenstein 1802 Piuismataenionema E’hasmatinae Phanuciini Navas 1907 Phenacocepitalus Nccrosciinac - Weraer 1930 Phenacephorus Loncbodinac Looebodini Brunner 1907 Phibalosoma Bactcriinac Bactehini Gray 1835 Phobaeticus Fbasmatinac Baculini Brunner 1907 Phraortes IjOQchodinae Loachodini Stal 1875 Phryganistria Pbasmatinae Baculini Stal 1875 Phlhoa Pachymorphinae Ramulini Karsch 1898 Phyllium Fbylliinae - Uligcr 1798 Pkutispeclrum Hclcroptcfyg hue Datamini Rcho & Rehn 1938 Piatt udes Psctidophasmathuc Xcrosomalini Stal 1875 Platycrana Platycranhuc - Gray 1835 Platysosibia Nccrosciinac - Rcdtcnbacher 1908 Podacanthus Tropidodcrinae Tropidodcrini Gray 1833 Pomposa Nccrosciinac - Rcdtcnbacher 1908 Presbislus Aschiphastnatinae - Kirby 1896 Prexaspes Pscudophasmatinae Xcrosomatini Stil 1875 Prisomera Loochodinac Looebodini Gray 1835 Prisopus Pscudophasmatinae Prisopodini Latrcillc 1825 Prosceles Nocrosciinae - Uvarov 1940 ProsaUoria Pbasmatinae Baculini Brunner 1907 Pseudobacteria Hcteroacmiinac Libcthrini Saussurc 1872 Pseudoclitarchus Pbasmatinae Acanthoxylini Salmon 1991 Pseudodalames BaciUhuc Antongilini Rcdtcobachcr 1906 Pseudodiacantha Nccrosciinac - Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Pseudolcyphides Pscudophasmatinae Anisomorphini Kamy 1923 Pseudoleosthenes Pscudophasmatinae Prisopodini Rcdtcobachcr 1906 Pseudopbasma Pseudophasmathue Pseudopbasma tini Kirby 1896 Pseudopromachus Pachymorphhuc Hemipachymorphini Gunther 1929 Pseudosermyle Hcteroncmiiiuc Hctcroncmiini Caudell 1903 Pseudosllteneboea Loochodinac Loochodini Carl 1913 Phasnud Studies, 1(2): 44 The Phasmid Database Purinaxylus Bactcriinac Hesperophasmatini Audinct-Scrvillc 1839 Ptercbrimus Hclcroptcryginac Obrimini Redleobacher 1906 Plerolibeihra Hdcroocmimac Libcthrini Gunther 1940 Pygirhynchus PygiAynchinac - Audinct-ScrviUc 1839 Pylaemenes Hdcroptcryg inac Datamini Stil 1875 Ramtdus Pachymorphinac Ramulini Saussure 1870 Rhamphophasma Phasmatinac Baculini Brunner 1893 Rhamphosipyloidea Nccrosciinac - Rcdlcobachcr 1908 Rhaphulerus Tropidoderinac Monandroptcrini Audinct*ScrviUc 1839 Scianecra Nccrosciinac - Kamy 1923 Sermyle Hctcroocmiinac Hctcroocmiini Stil 1875 Setosa Pygirhynchinac - Rcdtcobachcr 1906 Sinophasma Nccrosciinac - Gunther 1940 Sipyloidea Nccrosciinac - Brunner 1893 Sostbia Nccrosciinac - Stil 1875 Spinotectarckus Pachymoiphinac Hcmipachymoiphini Salmon 1991 Slaelonchodes Lonchodinae Lonchodini Kilty 19(M Sleleoxiphus Pachymorphinac Ramulini Rchn 1906 Slencbrimus Hctcroplcryginac Obrimini Rcdtcobachcr 1906 Suphanacris Phasmatinae Stcphanacridim* Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Stralodes Pscudophasmatinac Stratocleini Stil 1875 Syringodes Nccrosciinac - Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Tagesoidea Nccrosciinac - Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Taraxippus Bactcriinac Hesperophasmatini Moxey 1971 Tectarckus Pachymorphinac Hcmipachymorphmi Salmoo 1954 TenereUa Pscudophasmatinac Stratocleini Rcdtcobachcr 1906 Tersomia Bactcriiaae Hesperophasmatini Kirby 1904 Thaumalobactron Eurycanthinac * Gunther 1929 Theramaies Hctcroptcryg inac Obrimini Stil 1875 Thrasyllus Nccrosciinac - Stil 1877 Timema Timcminae - Scudder 1895 Tirachoidea .Phasmatinae Phamaciini Brunner 1893 Tisamaius Hctcroptcryg inac Obrimini Stil 1875 Trachyihorax Nccrosciinac - Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Trapezaspis Eurycanthinac - Rcdtcobachcr 1908 Trigonopbasma Nccrosciinac - Kirby 1904 Tropidoderus T rop idodcrinac Tropidodcrini Gray 1835 Trychopeplus Hctcroocmiinac Hctcroncmiini Shclford 1908 Vasilissa Tropidoderinac Tropidodcrini Kirby 1896 Vetilia Phasmatinae Phasmatini Stil 1875 WaUenwylia Pachymorphinac Ramulini Tolido Piza 1938 Woodlarkia Hctcroptcryg inac Datamini Gunther 1931 Woodmansonia Phasmatinae Baculini Brunner 1907 Xaiomaches Platycraninac - Kirby 1896 Xaiophasmina Xcrodcrinac - Uvarov 1940 Xera pscudophasmatinac Xerosoma lini Rcdtcobachcr 1906 XeranOierix Pscudophasmatinac Prisopodini Brancsik 1893 Xerodenis Xcrodcrinac - Gray 1835 Xeropsis Pscudophasmatinac Xcrosomalini Rcdtcobachcr 1906 Xerosoma Pscudophasmatinac Xerosoma tini Audinct-ScrviUc 1831 Xiphophasma Pachymorphinac Ramulim' Rchn 1913 Xylica Baciilinac Xylicini Karsch 1898 Zehntneria Pachymorphinac Ramulini Bnumer 1907 System requirements Written on a IBM compatible PC, The Phasmid Database will run on any database system which is compatible with dBase3. The database occupies 1,7MB of disk space at present. The version currently being released is slightly less than 0.7MB so it is possible to use a system without a hard disk; however the slow access time of most floppy disk drives means that in reality a hard disk is almost essential. Future developments are expected to increase this to somewhere in the region of 4.0MB. Phasmid Studies, 1(2): 45 P.E, Bragg Obtaining copies Copies of The Phasmid Database can be obtained free of charge from my home address; you should send either three 5.25" (360 K) disks or one 3.5" (1.4MB) or one 3.5 (720 K) formatted disk and the cost of the return postage. Printed copies of the species information are available at a cost of £20.00 per copy. Future releases In its finished form, it is intended that The Phasmid Database will be a complete synonymic catalogue of the Phasmida, something which has not been published for almost 100 years. It will contain original and currently valid names of all described species of Phasmida. The second stage, which is currently 50% completed, will give the current valid name for all species. This will the enable the species file to be linked with the genera and subfams files. The second stage is expected to be ready for release by the end of 1993. The third stage involves the addition of all known synonyms, and published references to the species. These will be stored in a memo file associated with each species. This stage is currently in progress but is not expected to be completed until the end of 1994 at the earliest. Acknowledgements The problems with the tribal names in Bradley & Galil’s paper were originally drawn to my attention by Judith Marshall. References Bradley, J.C. & Galil, B.S. (1977) The taxonomic arrangement of the Phasmatodea with keys to the subfamilies and tribes. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington, 79; 176-208. Brunner de Wattenwyl, K. (1893) Revision du systeme des Orthopteres et description des especes rapportees par M. Leonardo Fea de Birmanie. Annali del Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Genova, (2)13: 1-230. Brunner von Wattenwyl, K. (1907) Die Insektenfamilie der Phasmiden. Volume 2. Leipzig. Gunther, K. (1930a) Neue und wenig bekannte Phasmoiden von Siidamerika. Mitteilungen aus dem Zoologischen Museum in Berlin, 15: 559-570. Gunther, K. (1930b) Weitere Beitriige zur Kenntnis der Phasmoidenfauna Neuguineas. Mitteilungen aus dem Zoologischen Museum in Berlin, 15: 729-747. Gunther, K. (1939) Orthoptera Celebica Sarasiniana. II Phasmoidae. Verhandlungen der Natutforschenden Gesellschaft in Basel, 49: 54-92. Gunther, K. (1953) Uber dei taxonomische Gliederung und die geographische Verbreitung der Insektenordnung der Phasmatodea. Beitrdge zur Entomologie, (3)5: 541-563. Kirby, W.F. (1904) A synonymic Catalogue of Orthoptera. Volume 1. British Museum (Natural History), London. Neave, S.A. (1940) Nomenclator zoologicus. A list of the names of genera and subgenera in zoology from the 10th edition of Linnaeus, 1758, to the end of 1935. Volumes 1-4. Zoological Society of London, London. Neave, S.A. (1950) as above, Volume 5, Names listed for 1936-45. Neave, S.A. (1960) as above. Volume 6, Names listed for 1946-55. Redtenbacher, J. (1906) Die Insektenfamilie der Phasmiden. Volume 1. Leipzig. Redtenbacher, J. (1908) Die Insektenfamilie der Phasmiden. Volume 3. Leipzig. Urich, K. (1975) Klaus Gunther. Zoologische Beitrdge, 21: 347-361. Uvarov, B.P. (1940) Twenty eight new generic names in Orthoptera. Annals and Magazine of Natural History, (11)5; 173- 176. Westwood, J.O. (1859) Catalogue of the Orthopterous insects in the collection of the British Museum, Part I Phasmidae. London. Phasmid Studies, 1(2): 46 Reviews and Abstracts. Book Review, by Phil Bragg. Keeping and breeding butterflies and other exotica, by J.L. Stone. Blandford. (1992) ISBN 0-7137-2293-2. This book includes an eight page chapter on stick insects and a four page chapter on leaf insects. 1 have not looked into the content of the rest of the book. Three species of stick insect are mentioned along with one species of leaf insect. These chapters contain numerous mistakes for which there is little excuse. There is in fact very little advice on rearing, most of the chapter is devoted to describing the appearance and behaviour of the insects. The distribution of Extatosoma tiaratum is incorrect, it has not been recorded from New Guinea. This error calls into question both the notes on foodplants in the wild, and the description of this species being used as food in longhouses in New Guinea; 1 believe true longhouses only occur in Borneo. It seems likely that these refer to another species of Extatosoma, or perhaps more likely, to a species of Eurycantha. Incorrect generic names are used for three species, Clitumnus extradentatus (should be Baculim extradentatum), Necroscia sipylus (should be Sipyloidea sipylus) while the third example, Carausius morosus, is also listed as Dixippus morosus; it appears the author believes that these are two different species. The book states that Eurycantha calcarata can be cultured in the same manner as Extatosoma tiaratum, there is no mention of the need for an egg laying medium. The chapter on leaf insects refers to Phy Ilium crucifolium which should, I assume, be Phy Ilium bioculatum. The opening sentence wrongly states that it belongs to the "subfamily Pseudophasmatinae", it is of course in a completely different family: the Phylliidae. Book review: The review of Rearing and studying stick and leaf-insects by P. D. Brock, originally intended for this issue of Phasmid Studies, was published in the Phasmid Study Group Newsletter, 52: 3-4. A different review of this book was published in October 1992 in the Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists* Society, 51: 226-228. Phasmid Studies, 1(2): 47 Phasmid Abstracts The following abstracts briefly summarise articles which have recently appeared in other publications. Some of these may be available from local libraries. Others will be available in university or college libraries, many of these libraries allow non-members to use their facilities for reference purposes free of charge. The editor of Phasmid Studies would welcome recent abstracts from authors so that they may be included forthcoming issues. In the case of publications specialising in phasmids, Phasma and Le Monde des Phasmes, only the longer papers are summarised. Baarda, G. (1992) Voer!! Phasma, 2(6): 10-11. The third article in the series under this title, continuing the theme of foodplants for phasmids in captivity. Requests information from readers to continue the series. Poses some questions and briefly discusses some of the problems associated with trying new foodplants. Baarda, G. (1992) Voer!! Phasma, 2(7): 13-14. The fourth article in the series discusses foodplants for use in winter. Several plants are recommended for trials: Cotoneaster spp., Hypericum spp., Pyracantha spp. and Viburnum spp. Bragg, P.E. (1992) nolimetangere un phasme que Ton peu toucher! Le Monde des Phasmes, 18: 4-5. The spines on members of the Heteropteryginae should offer protection against predation. In experiments with captive Epidares nolimetangere it was found that they do not prevent them from being eaten by Chalcides ocellatus, a lizard from the Mediterranean. Bragg, P.E. (1992) Les coccinelles mangent des phasmes. Le Monde des Phasmes, 18: 6. Reports on an experiment into the feasibility of using ladybirds to control aphids in phasmid cages. Concludes that they are unsuitable, Coccinella 7-punctata will eat phasmid nymphs. Bragg, P.E. (1992) Des iddes lumineuses pour la nuit. Le Monde des Phasmes, 18: 9-10. Discusses the advantages of headtorches for collecting phasmids in the wild. Summarises the types readily available in the U.K. Bragg, P.E. (1992) The phasmid Carausius abbreviatus (Brunner) from Borneo, including a description of the female. Entomologists* Monthly Magazine, 128: 129-235. The female and egg of Carausius abbreviatus are described. The male, female and egg are illustrated. The distribution is discussed and details of the rearing conditions are given. The taxonomy of the genus is briefly discussed, with an explanation of the synonymy of Carausius (= Dixippus = Phasgania). Chen, S.C. (1992) A new species of the genus Macellina (Phasmida: Heteronemiidae, Pachymorphinae). Acta Entomologica Sinica, 35(1): 72-74. A new species, Macellina baishuijiangia, is described from Baishuijiang Reserve Area of Gansu. The holotype, a male, is deposited in Beijing Forestry University. This species is allied to M. souchongia (Westwood), the paper lists differences and M, baishuijiangia is illustrated. Phasmid Studies, 1 ( 2 ): 48 Phasmid abstracts Camousseight, A. & Bustamante, I. (1991) Description de los Huevos de los Fdsmidos (Phasmatodea: Pseudophasmatidae) de Chile. Revista Chilena de Entomologica, 19: 39-43. Description of the eggs of the phasmids of Chile, based on Agatherema crassa, A. elegans, A. millipunctata, Xeropsis crassicomis, Bacmculus phyllopus, B. granulicoUis, B, comutus, B. blanchardi, and Paraprisopus sp. The descriptions are given for the genera, not the species. Drawings of the micropylar plates are given but not drawings of whole eggs. There are 15 scanning electron micrographs although these do not show the same views for each genus. D’Hulster, K. (1992) Eiafzetting (Ovipositie), Phasma, 2(6): 5-6. A short review of some of the egg laying methods used by phasmids. D’Hulster, K. (1992) Verdedigings - mechanismen. Phasma, 2(6): 7-9. A review of some of the methods of defence used by phasmids. Delfosse, E. (1992) Elevage des phyllies. Le Monde des Phasmes, 19: 3-4. A description of the author’s method of maintaining temperature and humidity in a vivarium, yet preventing the insects from drowning in condensation. The vivarium is lined with fine netting and has a false base with netting over 2cm of water which provides the humidity. Deschandol, A, (1992) Exp^ier des phasmes morts par la poste. Le Monde des Phasmes, 19: 1 1- 12 . Discusses and illustrates methods of packing dead phasmids for posting phasmids or transporting them in the field. Floyd, D. (1992) Un tr^s gnndc Acanthoxyla prasina intermedia. Le Monde des Phasmes, 19: 10. Reports on an exceptionally large captive reared specimen of Acanthoxyla prasina intermedia. Measurements are given for the various parts of the body of this 17.3cm long specimen. Gorkom, E. van (1992) Wetenswaardigheden over de Javaanse reuzen wandelende tak Eurycnema herculeana (PSG 28). Phasma, 2(7): 7-8. Reports this species as a common pet in east Java. Gives advice on the best conditions for rearing this species (see Henneman, F. PSG 28, Eurycnema herculeana in this issue of Phasmid Studies). Gorkom, E. van, Gorkom, O. van & Gorkom, J. van (1992) Takken uit de tropen. Phasma, 2(7): 9-10. Report of a collecting trip to Loksado, Kalimantan. Six species were collected. One is described and illustrated. [The illustrated species appears to be Orthomeria sp. - P.E. Bragg] Gorkom, J.W. van (1992) Een nadere kennismaking met Heteropteryx dilatata. Phasma, 2(6): 1-4, Describes the life cycle and general biology of Heteropteryx dilatata (Parkinson) and narrates collecting this species in Bukit Lalong Forest Reserve, Malaysia. Grosser, D. (1992) Zwei neue Arten der Gattung Phy Ilium aus Neugenia (Phasmatodea: Phyliidae). Entomologische Zeitschrift, 102(9): 162-167. Two new species of the genus Phyllium, P. brevipennis and P. chitoniscoides, from New Guinea are described and figured. A systematic list for the species of the genera Phyllium, Chitoniscus, and Nanophyllium is provided. Phasmid Studies, 1 ( 2 ): 49 Phasmid abstracts Haccart, L. (1992) Observation de la mue chez Carausius morosus. Le Monde des Phasmes, 18: 14-15. A brief illustrated account of Carausius morosus shedding its skin. Langlois, F, & Lelong, P. (1992) Compte-rendu d’une chasse en Espagne. Le Monde des Phasmes, 19: 5-7. An account of phasmid collecting at Alcoc^ber in Spain. Reports three species, Bacillus rossius, Clonopsis gallica, znd Leptynia hispanica. Males of B. rossius were found to be much more active than the females. C. gallica were found in very large numbers, sometimes l(X)-200 in one bramble patch. These C. gallica seem identical to those from France. L. hispanica was found to be common, although they are difficult to spot. Blowing air or smoke seems to help to locate this species. Both sexes were present and mating was found to last for a maximum of three or four hours. Lelong, P. (1992) Attention esp^ies perdues. Le Monde des Phasmes, 18: 7-8. Discusses the PSG census of species in culture. Lelong, P. (1992) Lampes frontales (suite). Le Monde des Phasmes, 18: 10-11. Continues the discussion (see above) on the relative merits of various headtorches for phasmid collecting. Includes technical information on the prices and battery duration of the various options. Lelong, P. (1992) Cartographie des trois espies Frangais. Le Monde des Phasmes, 18: 16-17. Gives French distribution maps for Clonopsis gallica, Bacillus rossius, and Leptynia hispanica. Lelong, P. (1992) Une experience dtonnante. Le Monde des Phasmes, 19: 9. A problem with rearing Bacillus atticus atticus is that of the foodplant, Lentisc (Pistacia lentiscus), being difficult to obtain. The author tried Coriaria myrtifolia as a substitute and found that it was eaten one night by a nymph of this species. However the thorax of the insect became distended and the insect immobile. The author perforated the mesothorax and metathorax with a hypodermic needle, releasing a black fluid and a large volume of gas. After a few days the phasmid had fully recovered and was subsequently reared to adult. This plant is eaten without adverse effects by both Bacillus rossius and Clonopsis gallica. The author does not report any further experiments with B. a. atticus on this foodplant. Malavasi, D. (1992) Stick insects (Phasmatodea, Bacillidae) from Italy. Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists ' Society ,51: 207-2 1 2 . Lists the species and subspecies of phasmids found in Italy. Gives a distribution map for the different species and drawings to distinguish the abdomens of the females. The author reports that habitat destruction may be causing a decline in numbers. Nysen, F. (1992) Wandelende takken als hobby. Phasma, 2(7): 21-24. A narration of how the author’s interest in phasmids developed and a general discussion of keeping phasmids as a hobby. Potvin, W. (1992) Eieren zonder deksel van Haaniella mulleri. Phasma, 2(7): 24. Reports on, and illustrates, an egg of Haaniella muelleri which lacks an operculum. Roget, J. (1992) Un tres joli phasme: Parectatosoma hystrix. Le Monde des Phasmes, 19: 13-15. A report on how to rear this Madagascan species. The male and female are illustrated. Phasmid Studies, 1 ( 2 ): 50 Phasmid abstracts Sellick, J, (1992) Het ei van de wandelende tak. Phasma, 2(7): 1-6. A translation of The phasmid egg which appeared in Phasmid Studies, 1(1): 8-9. Spreter, V. (1992) Pour que densent les phyllies. he Monde des Phasmes, 19: 16-21. Observes that about half of the issues of Le Monde des Phasmes contain articles on Phylliwn spp. The author then narrates his early experiences with leaf insects. Humidity and temperature are considered very important and the author gives details of these considerations. Hatching the eggs and rearing the nymphs are then discussed. Veltmann, K. (1992) Takken kijken. Phasma, 2(6): 13-14. Discusses three zoos which have phasmids on display; Artis, Amsterdam; Hortus Haren; Nooroder Dierenpark Emmen. Phasmid Studies, 1 ( 2 ): 51