Cryptophyllium limogesi "Thac Krong Kmar"

As with most phasmid species, the appearance of Cryptophyllium limogesi "Thac Krong Kmar" varies significantly depending on the insect's sex and development stage.

Nymphs: Newly hatched nymphs are strikingly different to their adult counterparts. Measuring approximately 18–20 mm in length and 8–9 mm in width, they exhibit a bold colouration that reminds me of fire ants.

The head and antennae are dark, almost black, while the thorax and abdomen display a vivid red colouration with orange hues and black edging. The legs are also black but have distrinctive white striping.

Within several weeks of feeding, they transition from this fiery colouration to the characteristic green of this species.

As they progress through their developmental stages (L1–L6), the nymphs steadily increase in size until reaching maturity.

Newly hatched Cryptophyllium limogesi "Thac Krong Kmar" nymphs are highly active, often exhibiting hyperactive behaviour during their initial days. This early burst of energy gradually diminishes as they age and begin to feed.

As adults, this species remains more active than many other leaf insects, though still relatively docile compared to other invertebrates. Males are particularly difficult to handle. In my experience, they tend to back away rapidly, drop to the floor when approached, and may even take flight when startled. Females, while significantly easier to handle, often wrap their legs tightly around the plant stems, making it difficult to gently remove them.

Due to their larger body size, adult females are also prone to developing cuts on their back wings, typically caused by snagging on bramble thorns.

Despite these challenges, Cryptophyllium limogesi "Thac Krong Kmar" shows strong feeding and breeding instincts and is relatively easy to care for and breed in captivity. As with most leaf insects, they are more active at night and tend to remain still during the day.

Cryptophyllium limogesi "Thac Krong Kmar" primarily feed on bramble, oak, guava, rose, and beech species. When selecting food plants, ensure they are free from insecticides or other harmful chemicals. It is also worth noting that the nymphs of this species prefer older, darker-coloured leaves over fresh growth, especially when it comes to bramble. This is because brand new leaves can be poisonous.

Before offering food to your Cryptophyllium limogesi 'Thac Krong Kmar', it's advisable to wash the cuttings with dechlorinated water to remove any unwanted hitchhikers and to check for contaminants like bird droppings.

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.

As a recently described species, the ideal care requirements for Cryptophyllium limogesi "Thac Krong Kmar" are still being established. However, they appear to adapt more easily to varying conditions than other leaf insect species and have proven to be a beginner-friendly option.

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.

Provide an enclosure at least three times the insect's length in height and twice in width. For adults, a minimum size of 30cm x 30cm x 45cm (width x length x height) is recommended for this species. The more height available, the better, as this allows the leaf insect more room when hanging down during moulting. This is particularly important for large species like Cryptophyllium limogesi "Thac Krong Kmar".

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.

Both males and females are common in Cryptophyllium limogesi "Thac Krong Kmar" populations, allowing for sexual reproduction. After their final moult to adulthood, males and females begin mating within 2-3 weeks, with females laying fertilised eggs shortly after.

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.