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Lichen
Justin Doherty2
Posts: 205
Not sure if this is in the right section but I'm a teacher at a primary school and in our class we have stick insects which need lichen branches to keep their colouration. I'm just wondering if anyone has any near them that they would be willing to post. I'd be happy to pay postage of course. The type I'm looking for is in the picture below...
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Posts
Hi Justin. Haven't you posted this thread before? I hope you do find some for your posh stick insects. If you get really stuck why not have a word with your local/nearest zoo.
Yes, but I thought others might see it more on this section.
The zoo can't help sadly. It's just the lichen they require in order to maintain their coloration.
Nowhere can I find any reference that any species of stick insect needs lichen. They are all leaf eaters, most liking brambles and related plant species. As I said on my earlier post, my stick insects loved privet leaves and were apple green in colour. If they were really lucky they got hawthorn. Whereabouts are you Justin? If you are anywhere near the Lake District you could take a run out there to source some lichen as the air is very clean up there and these lichens are plentiful. Can the place that supplied you with the insects help?
They're a ssp of Extatosoma tiaratum. They don't eat it, they mimic it. I'm in Norfolk.
Doing a bit of lateral thinking. If they mimic the appearance of the lichen would photo's stuck to the outside of their tank do the job?
No, their vision doesn't work like that. They need to be surrounded by it.
Hi Justin. Could it be fake lichen that ressembles the stuff they like to mimic? I found this that may help if thats the case:
http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/woodland-scenics-lichen-in-medium-green/574604-1003
Or might these examples make a substitute?
https://www.craftyplants.co.uk/shop/tillandsia-airplants/all-tillandsia-airplants/tillandsia-usneoides-spanish-moss-airplant/?gclid=CPW5lY3I180CFbEy0wodol4Ixg
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spanish-Terrarium-Tillandsia-Usneoides-Plant/dp/B00NPXUYKA
This supplier may be able to assist if what the website states is correct.
https://www.floralocale.org/Suppliers+with+stock+type+-+Fungi+mosses+lichens?structure=page24182&page_ref_id=540
What will the stick insects do if they do not get their camouflage material? Do they go bald?
Seriously though I really hope that you can find some Justin.
Have given those a shot before, doesn't seem to do the trick. Thanks though.
If they don;t have the lichen they revert to the normal brown/yellow coloration.
Thanks again.