Carausius Morosus Research Paper

ZY2005 Invertebrate Diversity Essay

Carausius morosus

Carausius morosus is more commonly known as the Indian Stick Insect. The Indian Stick Insect is a member of the class Insecta and Subclass Pterygota. Insects are the only members of the Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda) that have wings. They are also recognisable by the presence of three separate pairs of legs. There are more than 900,000 different known species of insects on the planet, with many more yet to be discovered. These insects make up approximately 80% of the planets animal life. Carausius morosis is a member of the Order Phasmatodea and Family Phasmitidae. The Order Phasmatodea is made up of the stick and leaf insects, a relatively small group of insects numbering about 3,000

Some are carnivorous whilst other are herbivorous. The Carausius morosus is an herbivorous invertebrate. Being from a habitat which is mainly forested, the C. morosus feeds mainly on privet or bramble leaves. It may also develop feeding preferences, especially when kept in captivity. These preferences usually become prominent between 10 and 20 days into its lifespan and remain dominant for the rest of the life of the animal (Cassidy, M. D. 1978). These preferences, however, may be modified quite easily.

The habitat of the Carausius morosus is mainly forests and grasslands in tropical areas. They are native to the southern regions of India. However, through accidental introduction, they have become present in parts of Eastern California. They are a nocturnal species, similar to most other of the Phasmatodea. Due to their herbivorous nature, they have little or no aggressive features. Their main defence mechanism is to feign death in an attempt to be overlooked as a twig on a

As the exoskeleton is rigid and non-elastic, it prevents the growth of the animal and need to be shed when growth is occurring. Successful ecdysis relies on the good timing of many motor programs that happen due to the neuropeptides in the body. Specific behaviours must be activated at the right times to allow for the successful shedding of the old cuticle (Wadsworth et al. 2014). During the moult, blood carbohydrates and glycogen decrease largely and it is believed that this is due to the lowered level of activity during this time (Lohr, Gade, 1982) This is a very vulnerable time for the Indian Stick Insect as it had little or no protection as this process is occurring. The Indian Stick Insect goes through approximately six different molts before it becomes reproductive. Studies show that it takes approximately 14.8 days to molt and the period of time between each one can vary between 6 and 26 days. They can grow to heights between 75 and 100mm, making them some of the longest known