When I was younger, I went through a phase– it later turned into a passion. Contrary to the belief of some of my friends, insect husbandry is not the practice of making an insect your husband, though they do argue that I’ll eventually have to choose between my insects and having one. Please. I’m pretty sure there are fantastic gents out there with their own colonies of cryptocercids… or even pet nepids. Let’s be real.
I have been rearing insects for all of my life actually. As with anything, there have been great failures and spectacular triumphs. Some creatures adapt and thrive in simulated conditions, and others perish at the drop of a hat. Despite its complex and at times variable nature, the practice is an art form with many practical applications for those with more analytical minds, not to mention some sentimental aspects if you find everything to be adorable and lovely (my personal reason).
In college, my insect herd started out on the small side with my Hissing Cockroach, Pancake.
Care:
– He ate what I didn’t. Salad pieces, overripe fruit, stale cereal… dog food.
– Water in a dish.
– Plastic container from pet store.
My room mates at the time really did not appreciate his presence when they found out he was living with us. So naturally, I got him a friend and named her Cinnamon.
They proceeded to have 42 “cinnamon pancakes” and needed to move to a bigger house.
Care:
– More food.
– More water.
– More space!
Around the time my room mates started to accept my roaches, I began to expand my zoo and learn new ways of caring for new insects.
There was Stickley the Australian Walking Stick.
Care:
– Eats fresh oak leaves or pyracantha
– Occasional misting
– Moderate sized container
The illustrious and gorgeous Lady Mantis-
Care:
– Large enough insects which she usually only ate half of. The other half was left to roam freely until she got hungry again.
– Big enough container for her to roam in.
One of the most exciting things that happened last semester:
My latest colony addition started out as 19 “superworms”. Only 5 made it to adulthood, but now I have hundreds of small superworms!
Care:
– Vegetable matter
– Stale Italian bread to live/tunnel in
– They really seem to like tea leaves as larva.
That brings me to my current inventory which is ever growing and which I’m still learning to care for properly:
Not pictured are the countless vials of small flies, spiders, beetles, and other assorted creatures that I bring into my bedroom. And the insects I’m rearing at work- more on them later!
Also, if you have any suggestions as to what I should raise in addition to what I’ve got, I’ll accept any and all ideas (or charitable insect donations of course). I’m currently wishing for Passalids and Rhino Cockroaches!
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