Abiotic & biotic factors
Abiotic/Environmental factors
To maintain a sustainable living environment for our Crowned Stick Insects, a wide range of environmental factors are being monitored and controlled. This is to ensure the best life and health of our insect species.
Light penetration
To ensure a healthy environment, sunlight is required to maintain correct, consistent temperature levels of 20-30° and thriving vegetation for healthy organisms (photosynthesis). The enclosure was located in a controlled indoor environment, specifically near a window with blinds. By having the mesh part of our enclosure facing outwards, we are able to adjust sunlight exposure effectively, by raising or lowering the blinds on hotter days.
Humidity
Our method of controlling light penetration directly interrelates to the regulation of humidity. To create a controlled humidity level simulating the conditions of a rainforest (natural habitat) suitable for our stick insects, we were required to maintain moisture, by consistently watering/spraying our leaves. The leaves need to be sprayed twice a day as it is also used by the insects as a source of water.
Temperature
Stick insects live in the general rainforest meaning warm, humid weather conditions of 20-30°C are required for these insects to thrive . By controlling exposure to light and humidity, we can ensure temperatures stay within the preferred ranges. Hot air particles inside the enclosure were ventilated out through the use of ceiling fans in the room where our enclosure was stored.
Availability of water
Whilst our stick insects’ direct consumption of water is vital, water also plays a key role in ensuring our leaves are always healthy, as well as maintaining humidity levels within the enclosure (see humidity section above). Water availability is controlled by generously spraying/watering our leaves on a daily to weekly basis and refilling our container respectively, as our stick insects are actively drinking the water droplets found in the enclosure, and to ensure our leaves are abundant throughout the week.
Availability of Food
Changing and replacing old eucalyptus branches twice a week to ensure our stick insects have a substantial source of nutrients and are eating correctly.
Waste removal
It is important that we remove waste accumulated in our enclosures at a regular basis to avoid the accumulation of toxins and other harmful components found within the frass of our insects inside the enclosure.
Biotic Factors
Like abiotic factors, there are a wide range of biotic factors we have considered and are constantly monitoring. These factors have significant influence o the lives of our insect species.
Stick insects
Competition for resources can be emphasised through the observation and measurements taken, in which the overall contrast in particular insects is clearly evident. The competition for food, water, and living space affects the overall population as some insects are significantly stronger than others, whereas weaker insects are more susceptible to death.
Plants used in enclosure
The plant life in the enclosure not only acts as a source of food, but also as a home for our species. The size of the plant life directly affects our insects susceptibility for survival, as it determines whether or not our insects have enough room to thrive (i.e molt and movement). Additionally, the plant life may introduce invasive species into the enclosure (see below).
Possible invasive species in enclosure
With the arrival of new plant life, invasive species may accidentally be brought into the enclosure, possibly detrimental to the life of our insects (i.e. spider killing stick insect).
Human intervention
Providing that our stick insects do not live in a natural ecosystem/environment, they are unable to survive independently. Meaning, we must take action to provide for our ecosystem, ensuring all needs are met, for sustainable life.