Some notes on the Katydid Siliquofera grandis
30/09/2023
I purchased a single female Siliquofera grandis Katydid from (xxxx) at the AES Annual Exhibition and Trade Fair 2023.
According to Wikipedia, English names include hooded katydid and giant katydid indicating its size and the shape of the pronotum, but both names are also used for other species.
23/12/2023
For the first time, I observed her depositing eggs into the substrate I had provided for the purpose. It was shortly after it had become dark and she was pushing her ovipositor into the compost. Astrid had a look and said she could see the eggs travelling down the tube.
So, egg-laying commenced nearly 3-months after I purchased her. I was told that it was quite likely that she had already been mated as she had been kept in an enclosure with both male and female Katydids.
24/12/2023
I needed information on how to keep the eggs so I sent a message to Small Exotic Farm and their reply was. "Hi Mark, It is pretty straight forward - keep substrate slightly moist and do not let it dry out completely. 22-24C is more than enough for successful incubation"
10/02/2024
Following a number of careful excavations of the substrate, I have discovered no eggs. It appears that she is not happy with the substrate as a safe laying medium.
I am planning to change the substrate and to include one or more growing plants as I have discovered that they like to lay among (or perhaps within) plant roots in the substrate.
The challenge I have is providing a big enough space for her, with a suitably high temperature and high humidity.
25/02/2024
I have moved the Katydid to a new enclosure of a type and size advised to me by other breeders. It is a glass Exo Terra 45cmx45cm and 60cm high. It has a ventilated roof.
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