Enclosure details

About this section

This page has all things related to the insect enclosure. Here you will find detailed information on:

Construction materials
Considerations
Design process
Construction process
Maintenance process

Pictured is the group fixing a fly screen to the enclosure fig. 1

Construction materials

Netting - fly screen material
Hot glue
Staples
Stabilising pads
Protein container with cross-like incisions on the lid
Hook
Tape

Considerations

To construct an effective habitat enclosure for our species, a series of considerations were assessed to ensure the best life for our Crowned Insect species. These include:

Size - The enclosure had to be big enough to contain 20-30 insects and provide enough room for shedding minimum 30cm x 30cm x 35cm, as well as contain a good amount of leaves/branches. With a 39cm x 42.5cm x 90cm wooden cabinet used, this was no problem.

Air-flow/Ventilation - Like humans, our Crowned Stick Insects need oxygen to live. This was essential to not only maintain the life of our insects, but also to keep our leaves fresh. Our two fly-screened openings were perfect.

Accessibility - Our enclosure had to have a large opening to allow regular maintenance. With a large door following the diameter of the enclosure, maintenance was no issue.

For more information on maintenance, check out the 'Maintenance' section of this page.

Water-resistance - To avoid the spread of mould and our enclosure falling apart, everything was to be relatively waterproof. Luckily, the wooden cabinet used was laminated throughout.

Security - With the average juvenile size being under 3cm our insects escaping was a clear issue. We had to make sure the enclosure had no open gaps, so our tiny insect species could not escape. Staples and hot glue were used to fill in any openings and our door was secured by a tie-down. Tape was later used for extra security after an insect outbreak from another group.

Sunlight exposure - To create a healthy living environment, sunlight was needed to maintain correct temperature levels of 20-30°C. The enclosure was located in a controlled internal environment, allowing us to adjust sunlight exposure and maintain humidity when necessary. With two fly-screened windows as openings for sunlight and convenient location by a window, this was simple.

Portability - For ease of transport/movement we had to make our enclosure portable.

Stability - Stabilising pads were used to avoid sliding and maintain balance.

Enclosure design and construction

The process of creating and designing our enclosure required many considerations (see above). Our aim was to accurately simulate the natural environment of our Crowned Stick Insects.

Design process

Taking into account the dimensions needed for the quantity of 20 stick insects.

Finding a way of vertically fixing the branches in our enclosure maximises the space available. This allows sufficient space for each insect to shed and thrive, as they naturally crawl/rest at higher grounds to avoid predators.

Construction process

Step 1 - Receiving the wooden cupboard

This was the initial state of our soon to be enclosure. Notice the large cutouts on either side of the cupboard.

Step 2 - Filling in gaps

To ensure there were no spaces for possible getaways, fly-screen was attached on both the front and back openings. By utilising a staple gun and reinforcing it with hot glue along the perimeter of the mesh, this was done effectively.

Step 3 - Interior considerations

Prior to finalising our enclosure, we initially decided to use a thin plastic bottle, however its light weight structure was incapable of balancing the weight of large branches.

To ensure the branches stayed in a fixed position within the enclosure, we decided a large supplement container would be best suited to our needs, due to its thicker/wider structure. By making a cross like incision to on the lid of the container, the possibility of insects falling inside the water filled container was minimised.

Step 4 - Exterior considerations

We then created a “lock system” by fixing a hook to the side of the enclosure close to the door handle and attaching a rubber band to keep it from opening. For extra security we used sticky tape to cover any visible gaps along the door.

Maintenance

Luckily for us, Crowned Insects are extremely easy to maintain, with minimal needs for survival. Our team follows a simple process to attend to our species. This twice a week to weekly process consists of replacing leaves, changing water and cleaning droppings, all whilst gathering measurements in between. Below is a summary of this process from one of our previous lessons.

Step 1 - Finding fresh eucalyptus leaves

Pictured is Jacob picking out fresh leaves from a nearby tree. Leaves should be tall, healthy and full of leaves to fill the enclosure and be large enough to keep 20-30 insects healthy.

Step 2 - Observing the insects

Jacob and Elijah opening the enclosure (ensuring no insects escape) and noting any abnormalities or casualties if visible.

Step 3 - Temporary transferal

Carefully handling each insect one by one from the enclosure to a plastic tub, we were able to account for enclosure maintenance, as well as record and update our insect measurements.

Step 4 - Measurement process

As all our insects are in one place, it is the best time to measure them. For more information on the measurement process, head to the 'Average insect measurements' page on our website.

Step 5 - Maintenance begins

Once all of the insects are in the tub, enclosure maintenance begins. Here we see Elijah beginning the maintenance process. The water-filled jar containing our leaves is removed and separated for replacement.

Step 6 - Cleaning out droppings

Using paper towels, the insect droppings built up at the bottom of the enclosure is cleared out, ready for the new leaves to be placed.

Note: eggs are large in a ‘rock-like’ structure and should not be mistaken as droppings.

Step 7 - Positioning the leaves

Nearing the end of our weekly service, the leaves are re-positioned in the enclosure. The leaves are to sit high and wide for our insects and provide enough door clearance. Our enclosure is now ready to store our insects.

Step 8 - Returning home

Now our insects are ready to be placed back into the enclosure. Stick insects like to crawl upwards, so returning them is as easy as placing your hand below the leaves with your hand pointing upwards and waiting for them to crawl onto a leaf. This slow tedious process is followed for each insect.

Step 9 - Watering, closing and securing the enclosure

Once all our insects are in the enclosure, water is lightly sprayed onto all of our leaves with a spray bottle, to keep them fresh and provide a source of water for the insects. Then the door is carefully shut ensuring no insects are being squashed. Note: Watering may be repeated throughout the week if necessary.

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