In the colourful world of pets, insect pets have attracted the attention of some enthusiasts with their unique charm and mysterious qualities. Although they are small and delicate, they contain endless fun and mystery, which brings people a different feeding experience.
I. Common insect pets and their characteristics
(I) Unicorn
Appearance
The Unicorn has a strong body and unique appearance. Its body length can reach 30-95 mm, and its body is long and ovoid, mostly dark brown to black in colour, with a glossy sheen. The most striking feature is the distinctive horns on the male’s head, which are antler-like, forked and stout, giving it its name. Female Unicorns also have horns, but they are relatively small and short.
The Unicorn’s sheath wings are hard, with longitudinal lines, and act as an elaborate piece of armour to protect its soft internal organs.
Habits
Unicorns are nocturnal insects, usually resting in dark and damp places such as tree holes, roots or leaf litter during the day, and coming out to feed at night. They like to suck the sap of trees, ripe fruits, etc. They have certain requirements on the humidity and temperature of the environment, and are suitable to live in an environment with a temperature of 20 – 30℃ and a humidity of 50% – 70%.
During the breeding season, male Unicorns will fight fiercely for their mates, and they use their horns to hit each other, which is a very interesting scene. The life cycle of the Unicorn Fairy is usually about one year, going through four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult.
Breeding Fun
Observing the growth of Unicorns is one of the most interesting aspects of keeping them. The metamorphosis from larva to adult is very magical, and watching them grow and change their form under their careful care will give the keeper a sense of achievement.
The behaviour of Unicorns is also very interesting, they can crawl and explore in the breeding box, and sometimes they will do some interesting actions, such as pushing their horns against things, which makes people laugh. Moreover, by keeping unicorns, we can also learn about the ecological habits and life cycle of insects, which is of some educational significance.
(II) Stag beetle
Appearance
The body size of stag beetles varies from species to species, with a general body length of 20 – 120 mm. Their appearance is very distinctive, with their bodies usually black or brown in colour and with a metallic sheen. The most distinctive feature of the stag beetle is its well-developed upper jaw, which can be shaped like antlers or pincers, making it very imposing.
Stag beetles also have hardened sheath wings, which are often beautifully veined and spotted, adding to their ornamental qualities. There is a great deal of variation in the appearance of different species of stag beetle, which provides stag beetle enthusiasts with a wide range of choices.
Habits
Stag beetles are also nocturnal insects that prefer to inhabit natural environments such as forests and trees. They mainly feed on the sap of trees, nectar, fruits, etc. and have relatively high requirements for food. Stag beetles also have certain requirements on the temperature and humidity of the living environment, generally suitable for living in an environment with a temperature of 15 – 28℃ and humidity of 60% – 80%.
During the breeding season, male stag beetles will fight for territory and mates, demonstrating great strength by clamping their upper jaws on each other. The life cycle of the Stag Beetle also consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. The larval stage is longer and requires a period of feeding and care before it can pupate into an adult.
Fun to Raise
The unique appearance of Stag Beetles makes them a collector’s item for many insect enthusiasts. By keeping different species of Stag Beetles, you can enjoy their various beautiful appearances and feel the wonders of nature.
It is also interesting to observe the behaviour of Stag Beetles. They show various activities in the cage, such as foraging, crawling, resting, etc. Sometimes they also show their defensive behaviour, i.e. using their upper jaws to intimidate their enemies. In addition, through the rearing and breeding of stag beetles, we can gain an in-depth understanding of the biological characteristics and ecological habits of insects and enrich our knowledge base.
(III) Butterflies
Appearance Characteristics
Butterflies are one of the most beautiful insects in nature, with colourful wings and a light and elegant body. The wings of butterflies are covered with various patterns and designs, which are not only decorative but also serve as protection and camouflage. Butterflies come in a wide range of colours, including red, yellow, blue, green and purple, each of which is bright and colourful.
Butterflies have a relatively small body consisting of a head, thorax and abdomen. Their heads have a pair of tentacles, the shape and length of which vary according to species, and are important organs for butterflies to sense the external environment.
Life Habits
Butterflies are diurnal insects, active during the day and resting at night. They like to flutter in the flowers and suck nectar as food. Butterflies have strong flying ability and can soar freely in the air, looking for the environment and food resources suitable for their survival.
Butterflies have a special life cycle, going through four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult, a process known as complete metamorphosis. Butterflies in the larval stage usually feed on the leaves of plants. They will continue to eat and grow, and after several moults, they pupate. During the chrysalis stage, butterflies undergo morphological and physiological transformations and eventually break out of the chrysalis to become beautiful adults.
Feeding Fun
Rearing butterflies is a magical and wonderful experience as you can watch their entire metamorphosis from larvae to adults. Watching the tiny larvae gradually grow, pupate and then turn into beautiful butterflies is a surprise and touching experience that cannot be described in words.
The scene of butterflies fluttering in the flowers is very beautiful and makes you feel like you are in a fantasy world. You can plant some flowers suitable for butterflies to suck nectar in your garden or balcony to attract butterflies and add a romantic and poetic touch to your life.
Understanding the ecological habits and conservation significance of butterflies is also one of the important pleasures of keeping butterflies. By observing the life of butterflies, we can gain a deeper understanding of the mysteries of nature, and at the same time enhance our awareness of environmental protection and contribute to the protection of these beautiful creatures.
(IV) Grasshopper
Appearance
Grasshoppers are large in size, usually around 40 – 50 mm in length. Their bodies are green or brown in colour, with thick hind legs and long antennae. They have short wings and are usually unable to fly, but they can produce a clear and pleasant sound by rubbing their wings, which is one of their special features.
Caddisflies have a large head with a pair of compound eyes and a pair of antennae. They have well-developed mouthparts, which are suitable for chewing food such as leaves and flowers of plants.
Life Habits
Caddisflies are nocturnal insects that usually hide in the grass, leaves and other places to rest during the day and come out at night to forage for food. They like to live in a warm and humid environment and are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Caddisflies mainly feed on the leaves, flowers and fruits of plants, and are a kind of phytophagous insect.
During the breeding season, male caddisflies will attract the attention of female caddisflies by chirping. Their calls are clear and loud with a certain rhythm and can travel a long distance. The life cycle of the caddis is short, usually a few months to about a year.
Keeping Fun
Listening to their calls is one of the most enjoyable aspects of keeping caddisflies. Their clear and melodious chirping sound is like a symphony of nature, which can bring a sense of peace and pleasure to people. Especially in the hot summer, listening to the calls of grasshoppers at night will make people feel cool and comfortable.
It is also interesting to observe the life habits of grasshoppers. They will show various activities in the feeder, such as foraging, crawling, jumping, etc., and sometimes interact with their companions. You can provide some fresh vegetables, fruits and other foods to the grasshoppers and observe their eating process to understand their eating habits.
Keeping grasshoppers can also cultivate one’s patience and observation. Because caddisflies are a kind of sensitive insects, they need keepers to take care of and observe them carefully and discover their needs and problems in time, which also helps to improve the keepers’ sense of responsibility and care for animals.
(Some images and content are from the internet, please contact us to remove any infringement!)
