Zorotypus hubbardi
Starter culture with enclosure (~30 mixed): $40
Detailed Species Stats -Click-
These bizarre insects are one of only two North American representatives of their order. Despite their size they are extremely complex behaviorally and biologically. Groups colonize rotting logs until some factor triggers the production of dark, winged individuals, which will fly off (much like ant or termite alates) to found a new colony elsewhere. Females are attentive to their babies and defend the young as their numbers increase. After a colony is established, the members will begin to reproduce sexually. In a shocking animal kingdom plot twist, males are courted by females, and upon being satisfactorily seduced bequeath a single large sperm cell to them that is roughly the length of their entire body. Truly, these fascinating little guys deserve some more attention!