7/31/2023: Happy Harlequins
Neostylopyga rhombifolia have come and gone in culture over the last few years, but after receiving new stock originating in China I think I’ve got their husbandry down.
Much like Periplaneta brunnea, they seem to need very high humidity (and decent temperatures). Observations from their wild habitats suggest this too as they seem most abundant after rains and despite having the potential to spread around the world via trade like Periplaneta americana, they are restricted to warm, moist climates.
To minimize the humidity issue during the dry, high air flow winter, I used a polycarbonate underlay for the glass tank the colony is in, and it worked very well. I have cut watering back due to the higher air humidity during the summer, but have left the polycarbonate piece on due to laziness and the thought that it probably won’t hurt.
This is the largest colony of Neostylopyga rhombifolia I’ve ever had going and it was mesmerizing to watch all their antennae wave during a much-needed feeding. I captured this to share, and you can view it on the Youtube channel here:
-Kyle