Like the cousin grasshoppers, katydids can be kept as pets. In this article, we’ll guide you through the essentials of katydid care, from creating the perfect habitat to understanding their dietary needs and behavioral habits. Here is how to keep katydids as pets.
Katydid habitat setup
Enclosure: You should choose a medium-sized terrarium or a large mesh cage to ensure your katydids have enough space to move and climb. Make sure it’s at least three times the height of the katydid and twice as wide to allow sufficient space for climbing and moving. If you use the terrarium, use the secure lid so that your katydid won’t escape.
Temperature: Maintain a temperature between 25-30°C.
Humidity: Keep it around 60-70%. You can mist the enclosure regularly with water to maintain the necessary humidity.
Substrate: Line the bottom of the enclosure with a layer of coconut fiber or soil, about 2-3 inches deep. These materials help maintain moisture and mimic the katydid’s natural ground environment.
Plants: Add plants (such as ivy, ferns, or small shrubs), twigs, and branches for your katydid climbing and hiding. Ensure the plants are safe and pesticide-free, as katydids will likely nibble on them. You shouldn’t put too many plants since they will reduce the space of the enclosure.
Lighting: Place the enclosure in a location that receives indirect natural light. Avoid direct sunlight as it can raise the temperature excessively. If natural light is insufficient, you can use a low-wattage UVB light to help simulate natural light cycles and benefit the plant growth within the enclosure.
Feeding katydids
What to feed:
Feeding katydids depends on your katydid species. Although most katydids eat plants, some species can be carnivorous. It’s important to identify the type of your species. If your katydid is herbivorous, you can feed it leaves of oak, hazel, maple, and fruit tree leaves. Ensure any leaves you provide are free from pesticides and other chemicals. Fresh, washed greens like lettuce, kale, and spinach can also be offered.
If you have a carnivorous katydid, you can feed it a variety of insects such as crickets, mealworms, and other small invertebrates. The prey should be appropriately sized, usually no larger than the head of the katydid to ensure they can safely consume it.
Offering live prey helps stimulate the natural hunting behaviors of katydids, which can be beneficial for their physical health and mental stimulation. But if you prefer not to provide live food, pre-killed insects are an alternative. Ensure they are fresh to maintain nutritional value.
Although katydids receive most of their moisture from the leaves they eat, it’s important to maintain humidity in their enclosure. Use a spray bottle to mist the enclosure lightly, which will not only help with humidity but also provide water droplets for them to drink. You can put a small dish of water in the enclosure. But make sure that the dish is shallow because these insects might drown in.
How often to feed:
Herbivorous katydids should be fed every day to ensure they always have something to munch on. On the other hand, carnivorous katydids can be fed every 2-3 days, but this can vary based on the species and the individual insect’s needs, especially if they are active or if it is during their growth phase.
Tips when feeding katydids:
- Always ensure that the food you provide is clean and safe. Thoroughly wash all fruits, vegetables, and leaves to remove any potential residues of pesticides or pollutants.
- While not always necessary, providing a calcium supplement occasionally can be beneficial, especially for younger katydids to support their growth and exoskeleton development. This can be lightly dusted on their food.
- Regularly observe your katydid’s eating habits and adjust the diet as needed based on their health, activity level, and growth.
- Remove any uneaten or wilted vegetation daily to prevent the growth of mold.
General care
Katydids are generally docile, you can handle them. Be careful, their limbs are delicate and can break easily if handled roughly. Allow the katydid to walk onto your hand or arm rather than grabbing it. This method reduces stress and prevents injury.
Avoid disturbing or handling them too much, as this can stress the katydids.
Regularly clean the enclosure to prevent mold and bacteria buildup. Remove waste and uneaten food daily. Conduct a thorough cleaning monthly, replacing the substrate and cleaning all decorations.
Monitor your katydid for signs of illness or distress, such as lethargy or a decrease in eating.
Breeding katydids
If you want to breed katydids, you’ll need an adult male and female pair. Males typically have sound-producing structures on their wings and are generally smaller than females. Females often have a more robust build and possess an ovipositor (an organ used to lay eggs) extending from the abdomen.
Create a suitable breeding environment for them:
- a larger enclosure to accommodate multiple katydids. Ensure it has plenty of vertical space and vegetation.
- a slightly higher temperature and humidity
- keep the light cycle consistent, with about 12-14 hours of light per day
Feed them high-quality, nutritious food
Keep the eggs in a humid environment. Regularly mist the substrate without making it soggy, as too much moisture can lead to fungal growth.
