Sipyloidea sipylus (PSG 4)

    This is one of the more common species kept as a pet.  From Madagascar, the pink-colored wings present on all adults make this species somewhat unique.  Because this species is parthenogenetic (lays eggs w/o mating), it exists only as females in captivity.  This species has the ability to spray an irritant at would-be predators.  Spraying usually occurs when you pick it up too, although it has never been reported to be harmful to humans.  It has been described as a freshly-cut grass smell or musky.  This species thrives on blackberry leaves.  It will glue its eggs to just about anything it is near:  leaves, the aquarium-walls, etc.  We have a nice photo series of this species molting.

Foodplants: bramble, hawthorn, plum, raspberry, red maple

Click here for an animated gif of S. sipylus spreading its wings!