Giant Hooded Katydid Care

Siliquofera grandis. Written by Curtis Lakin

Basic care information on the Giant Hooded Katydid.

Origins: Papua New Guinea / Indonesia

TEMPERATURE

25-28 C daytime,

16-24 C night time

Thrive in high humidity

LIGHTING

Well lit enclosures.

Avoid direct sunlight

HOUSING

A large enclosure like 45x45x60 cm for an adult couple is required and it is recommended to use glass, or plastic enclosures with any ventilation provided by metal mesh  as these katydids have strong jaws and can gnaw trough fabric net easily.

FEEDING

This species feeds on bramble, raspberry, oak, and hazel leaves pieces of apple fruit an skewers are also readily enjoyed. Nymphs can be partially cannibalistic if kept in high density or different sizes kept together. Additional protein supplements like dried gammarus shrimps or fish flakes sprinkled on wet leaves can help satiate protein need.

BREEDING

Adults can reach up to 13cm in length.

Females needs at least 7 cm of substrate for eggs laying, it can be coco coir, unfertilised top soil and sand and leaf wood mix kept slightly damp. Females will probe ovipositor and may lay several hundred eggs in a lifetime. Eggs can be incubated directly in substrate and incubation takes around 3 to 5 months dependent on season and temperature.

GENERAL

The Giant Hooded Katydid or Great Shielded Bush Cricket (Siliquofera grandis) is one of the largest katydid species in the world with wingspan up to 25 cm. It is powerful and if handled roughly can bite.