Phyllium tobeloense "Galela"

Phyllium tobeloense "Galela" is a magnificent leaf insect species native to Galela on Halmahera Island in Indonesia. It is popular among enthusiasts due to its gorgeous colouration, which has earned it the nickname “Autumn leaf insect”.

Females live for ~8-12 months.

Males live for ~6-8 months and mature faster than females.

Phyllium tobeloense "Galela", like most other leaf insect species, are docile by nature, making them an excellent species for observation and gentle handling. They tend to remain motionless during daylight hours, reserving their activity for night-time when they become active, moving about and feeding. When threatened nymphs and adult males can react frantically dropping to the ground. Adult females employ a different defensive strategy, attempting to clamp potential threats between their hind legs.

Newly hatched nymphs can exhibit hyperactive behaviour. This initial burst of activity gradually settles as they acclimate to their environment.

Phyllium tobeloense "Galela" primarily feed on bramble, oak, raspberry and beech species. This species can be prone to cannibalism so ensure plenty of fresh leaves are available. 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.

Phyllium tobeloense "Galela" is another leaf insect species that is relatively easy to accommodate and rear in terms of its low level of environmental requirements.

Temperature: Maintain daytime temperatures between 22°C and 27°C, allowing them to cool to 18°C - 20°C at night. Room temperatures are sufficient for this species.

Humidity: Humidity plays a vital role in the care of leaf insects. Aim for high humidity levels of ~60-75%. 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.

Provide an enclosure at least three times the insect's length in height and twice in width. A minimum size of 30cm x 30cm x 45cm (width x length x height) is recommended for this species. Larger enclosure sizes are required for higher quantities as tobeloense will very often feed on each other's abdomen when the population density is too high. 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.

Both males and females are common in Phyllium tobeloense "Galela" 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 3-5 eggs per day over a period of about three months, dropping them to the enclosure floor with a whip-like movement of their abdomen. They are light to dark brownish in colour, with a surface characterised by lots of bristly hairs and several round dents. The eggs are small in size, measuring ~3.5mm in length and ~1.2mm in width.

Incubation usually takes ~4-5 months but can extend to 7-8 months depending on conditions. Eggs should be maintained on moist substrate such as paper towel or coconut fibre at 20°C-24°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 tobeloense "Galela" can reproduce via parthenogenesis. This process produces unfertilised eggs that hatch into genetic clones of the female.