Phyllium ericoriai "Quezon" is a beautiful leaf insect species native to the Philippines, specifically from the province of Quezon. It is known for its unusually large and intricately structured eggs. The species was named after its Filipino discoverer, Eric Oria, making it a source of national pride. However, this species is not recommended for beginners, as ericoriai has proven difficult to raise and maintain in captivity since its discovery. I personally have had troubles raising this species, and the nymph survival rate is low.
Phyllium ericoriai “Quezon”
Appearance
The appearance of Phyllium ericoriai "Quezon" varies significantly depending on the insect’s sex and developmental stage.
Nymphs: Newly hatched nymphs are dark black in colour with reddish and orange highlights. They are fairly large compared to closely related species, measuring ~15 mm in length and ~7–8 mm in width. These nymphs strongly resemble large ants in appearance. After several weeks of feeding, they begin to develop the green coloration associated with this species.
Freshly hatched L1 nymph
Females: Adult females of Phyllium ericoriai "Quezon" have flattened, irregular bodies with round abdomens. They feature enlarged forelegs and are predominantly green in colour with red lines adorning their body edges at adulthood, although they can also display shades of yellow and brown. Females are medium in size, ranging from ~75–90 mm in length. They have large, broad, non-functional forewings that cover almost the entire abdomen. Two short antennae, orange in colour, are longer than in other species, each measuring about 7 mm in length.
Males: Adult males of Phyllium ericoriai "Quezon" are slimmer and smaller than females, reaching approximately 60–65 mm in length. They have a spoon-shaped abdomen and are predominantly green in colour, with brown markings along their legs and body edges. Males possess fully functional wings that enable flight. Their antennae are notably longer than those of females, measuring ~55 mm in length.
Lifespan
Females live for ~9-12 months.
Males live for ~6-8 months and mature faster than females.
Behaviour
Phyllium ericoriai "Quezon", like most other leaf insect species, are docile by nature, making them an excellent species for observation. They tend to remain motionless during daylight hours, reserving their activity for night-time when they become active, moving about and feeding.
That said, newly hatched nymphs can exhibit hyperactive behaviour. This initial burst of activity gradually settles as they acclimate to their environment and begin to adopt the more sedate behaviour characteristic of the species.
Nymphs of this species can be particularly difficult to raise and may be reluctant to feed. In some cases, gently blowing on them or using a fan may be necessary to encourage feeding behaviour.
The two L2 nymphs have transitioned from their initial black coloration at hatching to green, with brown markings now visible on their legs and abdomen
Diet
Phyllium ericoriai "Quezon" primarily feed on bramble, salal, oak, and hazel species. When selecting food plants, ensure they are free from insecticides or other harmful chemicals. It is also worth noting that Phyllium prefer older, darker-coloured leaves over fresh growth, especially when it comes to bramble. This preference is particularly important for nymphs, as new growths can be poisonous.
Before offering food to your Phyllium, it's advisable to wash the cuttings with water.
Young nymphs face a unique challenge when it comes to feeding. Unlike their adult counterparts, they struggle to eat from undamaged leaves, which can be a significant cause of mortality in captive-bred populations. 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 food 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 Phyllium 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 offerings and adding new substrate to remove waste. This weekly maintenance is also an ideal time to collect any eggs that have been laid.
Environmental conditions
Phyllium ericoriai "Quezon" is a leaf insect species that is difficult to accommodate and rear in culture. It is described as one of the most challenging species to maintain and is not recommended for beginners.
Temperature: Maintain daytime temperatures between 24°C and 28°C, allowing them to cool to 20°C – 22°C at night. Ericoriai require a slightly higher temperature compared to other Phyllium.
Humidity: Humidity plays a vital role in the care of leaf insects. Aim for high humidity levels of ~60–70% for nymphs and a higher humidity of ~75–85% for adults. 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 Phyllium grows and develops. When misting, use non-chlorinated water to avoid potential harm. To maintain a high humidity consider using paper towel or coir (coconut fibre) as a substrate.
Lighting: Mimic natural day/night cycles using either natural or artificial lighting.
Housing
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.
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.
Breeding, incubation, and hatching
Both males and females are common in Phyllium ericoriai "Quezon" populations, enabling 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 1–2 eggs per day over a period of about three months, dropping them to the enclosure floor with a whip-like movement of their abdomen. The eggs of Phyllium ericoriai "Quezon" are exceptionally unique and beautiful, setting this species apart. They are intricate, notably large, and feature several unusually tall, thin, plate-like ridges running along their length giving them a sort of furry feel. Measuring ~7.2mm in length and ~4.6mm in width, they are extremely large for leaf insect eggs and are black or dark brown in colour.
Eggs being incubated using the vermiculite and bottle cap method
Incubation usually takes 4–6 months but can extend to 8–10 months depending on conditions. Eggs should be maintained on moist substrate such as paper towel or coconut fibre at 20°C–25°C, ensuring daily light exposure and monitoring for mould. 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.
In the absence of males, female Phyllium ericoriai "Quezon" can reproduce via parthenogenesis. This process produces unfertilised eggs that hatch into genetic clones of the female.
