Peruphasma

Conle & Hennemann, 2002

Species Guides

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Peruphasma is a of phasmid stick insects in the Pseudophasmatidae, established by Conle & Hennemann in 2002. The genus includes at least two described : Peruphasma schultei from northern Peru and Peruphasma marmoratum from the Venezuelan Andes. Species in this genus are notable for their distinctive coloration and defensive capabilities. Peruphasma schultei has become popular in the pet trade due to its striking black body with yellow and red wings, though it is critically endangered in the wild.

Peruphasma by (c) belgianchocolate, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Flügel Peruphasma schultei by Roman Willi. Used under a GFDL license.Peruvian black beauty (Peruphasma schultei), Entomica 2 by Fungus Guy. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Peruphasma: //pɛruːˈfæzmə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Habitat

High montane environments including grasslands and forest . Peruphasma schultei occurs in the Cordillera del Condor region of northern Peru, typically on volcanoes or mountains. Peruphasma marmoratum inhabits high montane regions of the Venezuelan Andes.

Distribution

Northern Peru (Cordillera del Condor), Venezuelan Andes. Distribution records also include Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, and Easter Island, though these require verification.

Human Relevance

Peruphasma schultei is popular in the pet trade and is regularly bred in captivity. The is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, with a wild restricted to less than 5 hectares. No direct conservation efforts exist for the species, though it occurs in protected areas established for other .

More Details

Conservation Status

Peruphasma schultei is critically endangered according to the IUCN Red List (last assessed May 2018). The wild has been actively decreasing due to loss from agriculture and livestock farming, as well as natural threats from wildfires.

Defensive Behavior

Peruphasma schultei can spray a defensive liquid from glands at the rear of the when disturbed. This liquid can be irritating to skin and .

Captive Diet

While Peruphasma schultei feeds on Schinus plants in the wild, captive specimens accept privet (Ligustrum), Aucuba japonica, and honeysuckle.

Morphological Distinctiveness

Peruphasma schultei is the first in the known to have tegmina and alae ( wings). Peruphasma marmoratum is distinguished from all other members of the genus by on the .

Sources and further reading