Effective method of incubating stick insect eggs using a breathable material above a water surface

Abstract

Incubation is an integral part of a successful breeding of stick insects. There are many incubation methods, most of them work by placing the eggs on a moist substrate such as vermiculite, sand, or peat. However, if placed on a moist surface and in containers without adequate ventilation, the eggs of several species are susceptible to mold. The occurrence of moldy phasmid eggs kept in very humid conditions has also been described by Potvin (1991). The method presented is very effective, combining moisture and ventilation in a good ratio, thus preventing the formation of mold. It is easy to maintain and is an efficient way of incubating most of the stick insect species bred.