STUDIES ON THE EGG STAGE OF DIDYMURIA VIOLESCENS (LEACH) (PHASMATODEA: PHASMATIDAE) INHABITING MOUNTAIN ASH FOREST IN VICTORIA

Abstract

An account is given on aspects of the egg stage of the spur‐legged phasmatid Didymuria violescens inhabiting mountain ash forest. At 21‐23°C and 45% RH, fertilized egg embryos matured more rapidly than those unfertilized, but most eggs failed to hatch, suggesting that diapause in fully grown embryos (pharate nymphs) is not generally terminated near room temperature. Freshly laid eggs remained healthy under constant high temperatures and associated drying effects for 2 weeks, but desiccated during 4 weeks of exposure.