My New Lyrate Assassin Mimics!

Magnificent Beasts 2021 Package Series Pt. 4/7

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Now, while I still feel the shame of infecting the last US Paranauphoeta rufipes (ex discoidalis) with entomophagous fungus, I've decided to try again with a new member of this genus, Paranauphoeta lyrata. This species is supposedly more robust and easy to culture than rufipes, and less prone to random crashes too (though they still have crash and boom cycles). These "Lyrate Assassin Mimics" are not as pretty as rufipes IMO, but still a nice substitute, and look more closely related in terms of size and texture to rufipes than the other common hobby Paranauphoeta, P.formosana.

I've got my two dozen or so individuals housed in a moderately ventilated gallon container with a thin layer of coconut fiber as the substrate. I'm using bark and eggcrates as hides, with some leaf litter on top. I'm keeping them humid and warm (75-85F°). For food I'm using dog food and fruits, with the occasional bit of pollen too.

Here are some pictures of my group:

Nymph

Nymph and Adult

Adult

It's definitely a pretty little species, hopefully they'll do well for me! One or two of the females Brandon sent already gave birth for me, so I'm already off to a great start! 😄

Anyways, that's gonna do it for this post, thanks for reading, hope everyone enjoyed, stay safe, and I'll see you all next time! 😉