Black Beauty Stick Insect (Peruphasma Schultei)

The black beauty stick insect (Peruphasma schultei) is a quirky and beautiful phasmid species, loved by enthusiasts for its unique velvet jet-black body and striking ruby-red wings. Native to a tiny region in Peru’s Cordillera del Condor, this species occupies an area of less than five hectares and was once listed as critically endangered in the wild. Ironically, despite its rarity in nature, Peruphasma schultei is relatively common in captivity. This is likely thanks to its dramatic appearance which is quite un-stick-insect-like to say the least.

Nymphs: Nymphs have extremely long antennae compared to their body size, with their antennae being almost as long as their body. They are dark brown to blackish in colour, duller than adults, and have not yet developed the stunning red wings of the adults. It typically takes 5-6 moults, spanning 4-5 months, for the nymphs to mature to adulthood.

Females: Both male and female black beauty stick insects have a black velvety body, small vibrant red bud-like wings (usually folded), bright beady golden eyes, and red mandibles, making them a visually striking species. They are a medium-sized phasmid, with adult females growing to ~ 50-70mm in length. However, unlike other stick insects, the black beauty species is thicker and more compact, rather than resembling a thin stick. Females are chunkier in build than the males.

Males: Males are thinner and smaller than females growing to ~40-50mm in length. On rare occasions male black beauties can possess pink wings rather than red, caused by a mutation. This mutation can occur in females but is even rarer than in males. Despite having wings neither males nor females can fly. The body of the black beauty is covered in tiny bristles known as setae.

Males and females typically live for ~12 months but they can live for longer than this.

The black beauty stick insect is primarily nocturnal, with most of its activity, including feeding, occurring during dusk and at night. Their black colouration serves as excellent camouflage for the night. Unlike other phasmid species that are typically lethargic, these insects like to walk around and will actively try to escape their enclosure when it is being cleaned.

This species is usually very calm, and they do not mind being gently handled. However, if they were to become distressed or irritated, the black beauty stick insect will display and erect it’s red wings as a defence mechanism. The males can also flare up their wings when competing for a mate.

Furthermore, black beauty stick insects possess a unique irritant, a mixture of glucose and peruphasmal, that can be sprayed from a gland at the back of the head. Again, they only do this when threatened, so it's important to take care when handling. If they do spray the irritant, you will be able to detect the distinctive smell.

Black beauty stick insects feed exclusively on privet, lilac, and honeysuckle. Of these food sources, privet is by far the easiest to locate and can be found year-round. When selecting a food plant for these insects, it is important to ensure that the plant is free from insecticides or other harmful chemicals. Before offering food to your phasmid, it's advisable to wash the cuttings with water.

Young nymphs can find it difficult to feed. To assist them, carefully cut the edges of leaves using scissors. This simple step can greatly improve nymph survival rates.

To maximise plant longevity and minimise maintenance, consider keeping the plant in a pot of water within the enclosure. However, take care to cover or reduce the size of the pot's opening to prevent the phasmids from accidentally falling in and drowning – particularly for nymphs, which are more prone to drowning.

Always provide a fresh source of food. On average, clean out the enclosure once a week, replacing old food with fresh offerings and adding new substrate to remove waste. This weekly maintenance is also an ideal time to collect any eggs that have been laid.

The black beauty stick insect is an easy-care phasmid and therefore great for beginners.  

Temperature: Maintain temperatures between 20°C to 26°C during the day and night. This species can be kept at room temperature without issues. The warmer they are kept, the quicker they develop.

Humidity: This species prefers a medium level of humidity, ranging from ~55-70%. This is on the drier side compared to the humidity requirements of other phasmid species. To maintain the appropriate humidity levels, mist the enclosure every other day, focusing on the food plants rather than directly spraying the insects. Focusing the misting on the food plants is extremely important for black beauty stick insects, as they strongly dislike being sprayed directly and can become stressed by this.

Adequate moisture is crucial for successful moulting, which is essential for the insect's growth and development. Use dechlorinated water for misting to prevent potential harm. A substrate of paper towels or coir (coconut fibre) can help maintain higher humidity levels.

Lighting: Mimic natural day/night cycles using either natural or artificial lighting.

When housing black beauty stick insects, the enclosure size should adhere to the general rule of thumb for phasmids and phyllium: at least 3 times the length of the insect's body in height, and at least 2 times the length of the insect's body in width. A minimum enclosure size of 30cm x 30cm x 45cm (width x length x height) is recommended. Additional height is beneficial, as it provides ample space for the insects to hang vertically during moulting.

For young nymphs, it is recommended to employ a free-standing where the food plant does not touch the enclosure walls. This prevents nymphs from wandering off, hiding, and starving themselves, which black beauty nymphs have a tendency for.

Proper ventilation is equally important as maintaining high humidity. Ensure ample airflow to prevent stagnant conditions and mould developing. At a minimum, a mesh or netted roof is recommended. Netted material also provides easier grip for the insects, which is especially beneficial during moulting when they often hang from the ceiling.

Breeding black beauty stick insects is very straightforward, as they readily reproduce under suitable conditions once they reach maturity. You will observe males "piggy-backing" on females during mating.

Unlike some other phasmid species, the black beauty stick insect cannot reproduce via parthenogenesis, so sexual reproduction is necessary for viable eggs to be produced. Eggs are pale brown with black mottling and ~4mm long.

Females typically lay 5-10 eggs a week and over 100 eggs throughout their adult life, dropping them to the floor of the enclosure with a whip-like movement of their abdomen.

Eggs typically hatch after 4-7 months. These eggs tolerate drier conditions, requiring only weekly or bi-weekly misting to maintain adequate humidity. Incubate eggs at the same temperature range as nymphs and adults (20°C to 26°C). Ensure they receive daily light exposure and regularly check for mould growth.

If you notice mould on an egg, carefully remove it from the container. You can attempt to gently wipe off the mould using a clean paper towel or soft brush. However, if the mould growth is extensive, it's best to discard the egg to protect the health of the others. If mould has developed, thoroughly clean the container housing the eggs. Pay particular attention to the substrate, especially if using paper towels. Vermiculite or coconut fibre substrates are less prone to mould growth.