The Jungle Nymph ( Heteropteryx dilatata) PSG 18 Commonly called the Jungle Nymph, this is one of the most popular species in culture. The females are very large, weighing more than any other phasmid when laden with ova (eggs). It is the breadth of this species, as well as the striking green color of the adult female (not yet pictured) that make this one of the most amazing species in the hobby. Females can range from green to yellow, and males are reddish to brown as nymphs, and then brown at maturity. They are very aggressive and will use their spiked legs as weapons in a dual scissor-like motion. Their vestigial wings are very small. Males are also winged and capable of flight, the inner wings being reddish. One thing I learned, just recently- immature females can change colors with differing degrees of light and darkness. One of my females went from a pale beige by day, to a rich pinkish-tan at night! This happens every night! Foodplants: bayberry, bramble, hawthorn, ivy Click Here for pictures of the rare yellow form of Heteropteryx dilatata
Head of male
|
