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spiny leaf insect exuvia

Extatosoma tiaratum

Photo by MartinL
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

This is the empty shell case (exuvia) of the spiny leaf stick insect. They molt five times before reaching their adult size and shape. This is the penultimate (final) molting.

Habitat:

This insect is captive bred and not local to Victoria. They occur naturally in Queensland and New South Wales.

Notes:

They are kept as pets around the world

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (5)
MartinL
Yes this is fragile. Often the owner eats the exuvia, possibly to 'hide the evidence'. I have about 15 specimens so get these shells regularly, each individual molts approximately monthly.
Mark Ridgway
Great stuff. I suppose it is very fragile. Did she just do this one?
MartinL
Here is the owner http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/8199326

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Photographed
PublishedJanuary 3, 2012

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