Cryptophyllium limogesi "Thac Krong Kmar"

Females: Adult females of Cryptophyllium limogesi "Thac Krong Kmar" are among the largest leaf insect species measuring approximately 90-120mm in length.

These females are typically a consistent lime green colour without much patterning or variation in markings. In my experience, all individuals have been green, though a faded yellow colouration is possible, albeit less common.

They have flattened, irregularly shaped bodies. The front quarter is narrower and then broadens significantly towards the abdomen. This abdomen is distinct in shape, featuring three noticeable peaks: a central peak formed by the main body of the abdomen, which protrudes furthest, flanked by two smaller lateral peaks.

Adult females have large non-functional forewings which covers around 80% of the body. These wings are adorned with prominent, leaf-like venation, closely mimicking the natural vein structure seen in real leaves! Another noticeable feature is their large, lobed forelegs which sort of look out of place.

Two short antennae, each measuring ~5mm in length, complete their appearance.

Males: Adult males of Cryptophyllium limogesi "Thac Krong Kmar" are smaller than females, but still grow to impressive sizes of ~80-100mm in length. Due to the absence of male Pulchriphyllium giganteum “Tapah Hills” in culture these are the largest male leaf insect species you can keep.

Males share the same lime green colouration as the females.

They have pale-yellow eyes and a distinctive, segmented abdomen. As seen in the photo, the abdomen gradually widens up to the second and third segments before tapering towards the end.

Unlike females, males are fully winged and capable of flight. These wings are long, covering the majority of the body. Their antennae are particularly long (not surprising considering their size), extending to about 50mm in length. That is more than half the length of their body, and far longer than those of females.

Sexing from L3/L4 stage is relatively easy using the pointers above.

Unlike some other leaf insect species, Cryptophyllium limogesi "Thac Krong Kmar" young nymphs have a strong feeding instinct. However, to further promote feeding, it can still be beneficial to carefully cut the edges of leaves using scissors. A gentle breeze or low-speed fan can also encourage feeding at all life stages by mimicking natural airflow and stimulating activity.

To maximise plant longevity and minimise maintenance, consider keeping the food plant in a pot of water within the enclosure. Be sure to cover or reduce the size of the pot's opening to prevent the leaf insects from accidentally falling in and drowning. Always provide a fresh source of food. On average, clean out the enclosure once a week, replacing old food with fresh cuttings and adding new substrate (I recommend paper towel) to remove frass. This weekly maintenance also provides a good opportunity to collect any eggs that may have been laid.

Temperature: Maintain daytime temperatures between 22°C and 26°C, allowing them to cool to 20°C - 22°C at night. Room temperatures are sufficient for Cryptophyllium limogesi "Thac Krong Kmar".

Humidity: Humidity plays a vital role in the care of leaf insects. Aim for high humidity levels of ~60-80%. To achieve this, spray the enclosure once or twice daily, focusing on the food plant. Proper moisture is essential for successful moulting, a process by which the leaf insect grows and develops. When misting, use non-chlorinated water to avoid potential harm. Keep in mind it is easier to maintain a higher humidity in a glass enclosure (such as an Exo Terra) rather than a netted enclosure.

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

For young nymphs, two enclosure setups are advisable: either a large enough space where the food plant doesn't touch the enclosure walls, preventing nymphs from wandering off, or a smaller enclosure allowing nymphs to easily return to their food plant. In either case it is crucial nymphs can find their way back to feed.

Proper ventilation is equally important as maintaining high humidity. Ensure ample airflow to prevent stagnant conditions. 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.

Females typically lay ~1-3 eggs per day over a period of about three months, dropping them to the floor of the enclosure with a whip-like movement of their abdomen. The eggs of Cryptophyllium limogesi are dark brown, five-sided, and lumpy in appearance, with small pits and tiny, light brown, moss-like structures covering their surface. The eggs measure ~5mm in length and ~4mm in width.

Incubation usually takes 6-10 months. This is longer than other species due to the longer life span of Cryptophyllium limogesi "Thac Krong Kmar".

Maintain the eggs on a moist substrate such as paper towel, coconut fibre, or preferably vermiculite, at a stable temperature of 22°C–26°C. Ensure the eggs receive daily light exposure and monitor regularly for mould. If mould appears 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, but if the mould is extensive, it's best to discard the egg to protect the others.

This species' eggs are particularly prone to mould, so I highly recommend the vermiculite bottle cap method for incubation. For detailed steps on this technique and more information on phasmid egg care, please refer to my article. To maintain high humidity levels of around 80%, I spritz the vermiculite base with dechlorinated water 2–3 times per week.

In the absence of males, female Cryptophyllium limogesi "Thac Krong Kmar" can reproduce via parthenogenesis. This process produces unfertilised eggs that hatch into genetic clones of the female. I also have an article on this process!