Tirachoidea biceps ( Redtenbacher, 1908 ), 2008

Hennemann, Frank H. & Conle, Oskar V., 2008, Revision of Oriental Phasmatodea: The tribe Pharnaciini Günther, 1953, including the description of the world's longest insect, and a survey of the family Phasmatidae Gray, 1835 with keys to the subfamilies and tribes (Phasmatodea: " Anareolatae ": Phasmatidae), Zootaxa 1906, pp. 1-316 : 220-226

Tirachoidea biceps ( Redtenbacher, 1908) stat. rev.

( Figs. 137–138, 165–166, 221–223, 299–301, 323, 363, 400, 428)

Pharnacia biceps Redtenbacher, 1908: 451 . LT [by present designation], ♀: Coll. Br. v. W., Java, Dr. Dohrn; det. Br. v. W. Pharnacia biceps (NHMW, No. 861); PLT, 2 ♀♀: Coll. Br. v. W., Java, Dr. Dohrn; det. Br. v. W. Pharnacia biceps (NHMW, No. 861); PLT, ♀: 99; 18.445; Coll. Br. v. W., Java, Dr. Dohrn; det. Br. v. W. Pharnacia biceps (NHMW, No. 861); PLT, ♂: Coll. B. v. W. Java, Malang, Staud., det. Br. v. W. Pharnacia biceps ; 20.534 (NHMW, No. 861); PLT, ♂: Coll. Br. v. W., Java, Malang, Staud.; det. Br. v. W. Pharnacia biceps, Malang (NHMW, No. 861); PLT, ♂: Coll. Br. v. W., Soekabaia, Fruhstorfer; det. Br. v. W. Pharnacia biceps , 18.477 (NHMW, No. 861); PLT, 2 ♀♀ (subadult): Coll. Br. v. W., Java, Dr. Dohrn; det. Redtenb. Pharnacia biceps , Pharnacia biceps Redt. (NHMW, No. 861); PLT, 2 nymphs (3 rd instar): Coll. Br. v. W., Tengger-Geb. Java, Fruhstorfer; det. Br. v. W. Pharnacia biceps ; 18.158 & 18.490.b (NHMW, No. 861); PLT, ♀: Java orient. Montes Tengger, 4000´IX.–X.1890 H. Fruhstorfer 10. II. 1894 (ZMUH); PLT, ♀: Java orient. Montes Tengger 4000´, 1890 H. Fruhstorfer; 2, Java H. Fruhstorfer vend. 10. II. 1894; Tirachoidea biceps Redt. ♀, Jos. Redtenbacher determ. 1899; public. 1906–08, Bestimm.-Verz. Nr. 2 „ T.westwoodi W.M.“ (ZMUH); PLT, 2 ♀♀: Java, Montagnes le 27., M. Fruhstorfer (MHNG); PLT, ♂: Java, Soekaboemi, M. E. Walsh (MHNG); PLT, 1 ♂: Java, Or., Passeroean, 622/20 (MHNG, No. 69); PLT, 1 ♂, 1 ♀: Museum Paris , Java, Plaboan Ratoé, R. Oberthur 1898; alcohol (MNHN); PLT, ♀: Museum Paris , Java, Toussaint 21-62. (MNHN); PLT, ♀: 3013, Java, Nuhn ; Tirachoidea biceps Redt. ; Brunner det. (MNHU); PLT, ♀: Tengger-Geb., Ostjava , Fruhstorfer S.; Java, Phryganistria acanthopus de Haan , Pharnacia biceps Redt. (MNHU) ; PLT, ♀ (penultimate instar nymph): Ostjava , Tenggergeb., 4000’, Fruhstorfer S.; 50, Tirachoidea biceps Redt. (MNHU) ; PLT, 1 ♀: Assam; 88. Tirachoidea biceps Redt. , Type (SMNS); PLT, 2 ♂♂, 1 ♀: Java, Fruhstorfer , Tirachoidea biceps Brunner det. (ISNB); PLT, ♂: Jawa ‘ Java occident.’, Mons Gede , 4000 ft., 1898; ex. H. Fruhstorfer coll. (ZMAS); PLT, number of specimens unknown: Java (HNHM – destroyed by fire).

Weidner, 1966: 231.

Brock, 1996: 27.

Brock, 1998a: 17.

Zompro, 2002a: 182.

Zompro & Brock, 2003: 7.

Hennemann & Conle, 2003a: 5.

Otte & Brock, 2005: 264.

Zompro, 2005b: 255.

Brock, 2006: 49.

Tirachoidea biceps, Karny, 1923: 240 .

Pharnacia cantori, Redtenbacher, 1908: 480 (in part—only the ♂ from Java in SMNS).

Pharnacia chiniensis Seow-Choen, 1998c: 184 . HT, ♀: Malaysia, Pahang, Tasek Chini , 1.I.97, F. Seow-Choen & I. Seow-En (ZRCS); PT, 1 ♂: Malaysia, Pahang, Tasek Chini , 20.V.97, F. Seow-Choen ( FSC) ; PT, 1 ♂: Malaysia, 19.II.1995, F. Seow-Choen ( ZRCS) ; PT, 1 ♂: Malaysia, Pahang, Tasek Chini, II.94, F. Seow-Choen & Tay, E.P. ( FRIM) ; PT, 1 ♂: Malaysia, Pahang, Tasek Chini , 3.VI.97, F. Seow-Choen ( UKM) ; PT, 1 ♂: Malaysia, Pahang, Tasek Chini , 9.VIII.97, F. Seow-Choen ( UKM) ; PT, 1 ♂: Malaysia, Pahang, Tasek Chini , 20.V.97, F. Seow-Choen ( UKM) ; PT, 1 ♂ & 1 ♀: Malaysia, Pahang, Tasek Chini, 20.XI.97, F. Seow-Choen ( FSC) ; PT, 1 ♀: Malaysia, Pahang, Tasek Chini , 20.XI.97, F. Seow-Choen ( UKM) ; PT, 1 ♀: Malaysia, Pahang, Tasek Chini , 21.XI.97, F. Seow- Choen ( UKM) ; PT, 1 ♀: Malaysia, Pahang, Tasek Chini , 20.XI.97, F. Seow-Choen ( FSC) ; PT, 1 ♀: Malaysia, Pahang, Tasek Chini , 20.XI.97, F. Seow-Choen. syn. nov .

Seow-Choen, 2000: 38, pl. 95 (♂, ♀, egg). [Erroneously named Pharnacia cantori (Westwood) on pl. 95]

Otte & Brock, 2005: 265.

Phasma (Cladoxerus) acanthopus, de Haan, 1842: 131 . [Misidentification. Subsequently described as Pharnacia biceps by Redtenbacher, 1908: 451]

Tirachoidea hypharpax, Vanschuytbroeck & Cools, 1981: 17 . [Misidentification]

Further material: [32 ♀♀, 12 ♂♂, 1 nymph]:

JAVA:

1 ♀: Java ( ZSMC); 1 ♂: Kenden-Geb., O-Java, A. Heyne Berlin Wilm., Tirachoidea biceps Redt. K. Günther det. ( MNHU); 1 ♀: Phryganistria Stål , Pharnacia westwoodi W.-Mas. K. Günther det., Pharnacia biceps Redt. det. F. Hennemann & O. Conle, IV.1998 ( MNHU); 1 ♂: Radjamandala, Mt. Ofanpanja 1200 m, 8. 1936 via. Reinbek, Eingangs-Nr. 1/1957, det. F. Hennemann 1.1998 ( ZMUH); 2 ♂♂, 6 ♀♀, eggs: ex Zucht: F. Hennemann, 1999, urspr.: Java (coll. FH, No’s 0193-2 to 9 & E1); 3 ♂♂, 6 ♀♀, eggs: ex Zucht: F. Hennemann, Herkunft: E-Java, F1-Generation, 2008 (coll. FH, No’s 0193-10 to 18 & E2) 1 ♀: Java orient., Montes Tengger 4000 m, 1890, H. Fruhstorfer; ex. verz. Z.L. Groningen; det. P.E. Bragg ( RMNH); 1 ♂: Java ( RMNH); 1 ♀: Banjoewangi, Java, Kahic, Barve, Aug. 1902 ( RMNH); 2 ♀♀, 1 nymphs: Buitenzorg, "specimens of acanthopus de Haan " det P.E. Bragg ( RMNH); 1 ♀: Java ( ISNB); 1 ♀ Java, Vulkan Gede; coll. A. Finot, Phryganistria hypharpax, Westw. ; Ex coll. Finot ( ISNB); 1 ♀: Java, Mt. C. Picket; det. Brunner v. W. ( MHNG); 1 ♀: Museum Paris, Java, Plaboan Ratoé, R. Oberthur 1898, alcool ( MNHN); 1 ♀: Monts-Tengger Java, 1890, envoi Fruhstorfer; Collection A. Finot, Phryganistria hypharpax, Westw. ( MNHN, coll. Finot, Box. No. 296); 1 ♀: Montagnes de Java, 12.1890, envoi Fruhstorfer; Collection A. Finot, Phryganistria hypharpax, Westw. ( MNHN, coll. Finot, Box. No. 296); 1 ♀: Pengalengan, Java, 5. 1893; coll. A. Finot, Phryganistria hypharpax, Westw. ( MNHN, coll. Finot, Box. No. 296); 1 ♂: Soekaboemi (Java) E. Walsh ( MNCN).

SUMATRA:

1 ♀: P.O. Stolz, Solok (Sum), Juni 1914; Tirachoidea cantori K. Günther det. ( RMNH) ; 1 ♀: Ponteboek, Bekui-Deli; Tirachoidea westwoodi K. Günther det. ( RMNH) ; 1 ♀: G.J. Weymann, Telokbetong , Sumatra, 23.5.1931 ( RMNH) ; 1 ♀: „Sapama“, Br. / Redtb. Det. 1903 ( ETHZ) .

PENINSULAR MALAYSIA:

1 ♂: W-Malaysia, Pulau Penang, leg. M.K.P. Yeh X. 1993 (coll. FH, 0193-1) ; 1 ♂: Fed. Malay State, Kedah, Kuala Ketil, J. Cadman ( BMNH) ; 1 ♂: Malay State, Bukit Kutu , 3300ft., A.R. Sanderson ( BMNH) .

NO / ERRONEOUS DATA:

2 ♀♀: no data ( ETHZ) ; 1 ♀: no data ( BMNH) ; 1 ♀: Philippines (?), W.L. Distant, 1903-365 ( BMNH) .

Diagnosis: Closely related to the second Javanese species, T. inversa (Brunner v. Wattenwyl, 1907), and T. cantori ( Westwood, 1859) from Peninsular Malaysia and South Myanmar. It is however easily distinguished from these two species and all other members of the genus by: the namely strongly conically raised, prominently bi-tuberculate or bi-spinose vertex (Figs. 299–301) and strongly raised, distinctly rounded dorsal carina of the basitarsi of both sexes; large lobes of the mid and hind-legs of ♀♀; very prominent and acute spine of the poculum (Fig. 223) and bright apple green anterior margin of the tegmina and alae of ♂♂ as well as the comparatively small eggs (capsule length 4.5–4.9 mm).

Etymology: Neuter. The specific name biceps refers to the two characteristic conical elevations of the vertex of this species.

Description: The description of the colouration is combined from photos of live captive reared insects and preserved specimens.

♀♀ ( Fig. 137): Medium-sized to large (body length 152.0–218.0 mm), moderately slender species (maximum width 9.0–13.0 mm). Colouration of body and legs variable, ranging from almost uniformly pale yellowish or greyish brown to dark brown often with dark greenish mottling and speckles, more rarely dark green specimens are encountered. Occasionally specimens may have conspicuous bold white markings or diagonal white lines on the dorsal surface of the thorax and abdomen. Mesopleurae with a fine orange-brown longitudinal line. Armature of the legs reddish brown. Antennae brown with ventral surfaces of all segments except scapus and pedicellus glossy black. Eyes dark reddish brown. All gonapophyses bright red.

Head (Figs. 299–300): About 1.7x longer than wide, oval, vertex strongly conically raised and armed with a pair or blunt tubercles or spines; the sinistral one considerably larger than the dextral one. Occasionally the two central tubercles or humps may be accompanied with a variable number of smaller, irregularly set tubercles. Just behind the bases of the antennae with a broad, transverse depression. Eyes rather small and circular, their length contained about 3x in that of cheek. Antennae consisting of about 30 segments and slightly projecting over posterior margin of mesonotum. Scapus dorsoventrally flattened, almost 3x longer than wide and very gently narrowing towards the base. Pedicellus cylindrical, ¼ the length of scapus. Third antennomere longer than pedicellus, IV as long as pedicellus, V–VIII increasing in length, following roughly of equal length.

Thorax: Pronotum distinctly narrower and a little shorter than head, almost 2x longer than wide and gently widening towards the posterior. Median transverse depression distinct and curved, but short and not reaching lateral margins of segment. Mesothorax slightly constricted at anterior margin and very gently widened posteriorly, 2.3x longer than head and pronotum combined. Mesonotum occasionally with a pale longitudinal median line which is most decided in posterior portion of segment. Metanotum about 2.3x longer than wide, rectangular and with a very minute posteromedian tubercle.

Abdomen: Median segment slightly shorter than metanotum, almost 2x longer than wide, rectangular. Tergites II–VI increasing in length, II 1.5x, V almost 2.3x longer than wide and VI al little shorter than V; all with a small posteromedian tubercle. Tergite VII ¾ the length of VI, lateral margins in posterior half elevated to form a rounded lobe, which bears a minute spine at the angle and laterally extends by as much as 1/3 the width of the segment. Praeopercular organ formed by two short, curved carinae at posterior margin of sternum VII (Fig. 363). Tergite VIII longer than VII and about as long as IX and X combined , distinctly narrower than previous, constricted medially and almost 3x longer than wide. IX half the length of VIII, longer than wide, parallel-sided. Anal segment a little longer than IX and with a fine median carina; posterior margin with a deep, triangular excavation and the outer angles rounded (Fig. 222). Supraanal plate very small, rounded and with a fine median carina. Gonapophyses reddish brown, elongate, up-curving and reaching about to apex of anal segment. Cerci oval in cross-section, slightly tapered towards apex and almost reaching posterior margin of anal segment. Subgenital plate strongly keeled and boat-shaped, apex rounded and slightly projecting over posterior margin of anal segment (Fig. 221).

Legs: All moderately long and slender, strongly spinose and armed with several prominent lobes. Profemora slightly longer than pro- and mesonotum combined, mesofemora a little shorter than mesothorax, metafemora reaching about half way along abdominal tergite V and metatibiae reaching apex of abdomen. Anterodorsal carina of profemora raised and armed with 16–22 distinct, triangular serrations. Posteroventral carina with 10–14 pointed triangular teeth. Posterodorsal carina with 3–8 prominent triangular teeth; one of these occasionally strongly enlarged and lobe-like. Posterodorsal carina of protibiae unarmed and often with a large, foliaceous, ± triangular tooth just before middle. Anterodorsal carina sparingly dentate. Posteroventral carina densely but minutely serrate, anteroventral carina smooth. Meso- and metafemora very gently downcurving with the two outer ventral carinae densely and acutely dentate. Anterodorsal carina only with a very few triangular teeth of variable size. Posterodorsal carina sparingly dentate; in mesofemora usually with one distinct triangular tooth sub-basally and two further, ± enlarged, triangular lobes in apical half (Fig. 323). Medioventral carina with 5–7 pointed spines of variable size and increasing in length towards base of femur. Ventral carinae of meso- and metatibiae densely but sharply dentate, anterodorsal carina almost smooth. Posterodorsal carina sparsely dentate and with a ± prominent, broad triangular lobe just before the middle and a rounded, dentate lobe apically. All carinae of probasitarsus moderately elevated and smooth, about as long as remaining tarsomeres combined. Meso- and metabasitarsi with dorsal carina distinctly raised and rounded and all carinae minutely dentate; slightly longer than following three tarsomeres combined.

♂♂ ( Fig. 138): Small to medium-sized (body length 116.0–145.0 mm) and slender for the genus with long alae (53.0–71.0 mm). General colouration of body, legs, tegmina and costal region of alae ranging from almost uniformly pale to dark greenish or greyish brown, often with numerous yellowish speckles in darker specimens. Anterior margin of tegmina and alae bright apple green. Anal region of alae transparent greyish brown with brown veins. Antennae brown and, except scapus and pedicellus, blackish brown ventrally. Eyes reddish brown.

Head (Fig. 301): Generally as in ♀♀, but eyes much more prominent, strongly convex and projecting hemispherically; their length only a little more than 2x in that of cheek. Sometimes the vertex may bear five minute blunt spine-like tubercles of variable sizes. Antennae projecting over posterior margin of tergite II, otherwise as in ♀; densely sethose. Median antennomeres strongly elongated.

Thorax: Pronotum generally as in ♀♀, 2x longer than wide, narrower but about as long as head. Mesothorax gently broadened at posterior margin and about 2.5x longer than head and pronotum combined. Metanotum slightly longer than wide, broader than mesonotum. Meso- and metasternum with a fine longitudinal median keel; less decided on metasternum. Tegmina oval, strongly narrowed towards base and with a prominent conical central hump. Alae reaching at least half way along abdominal tergite V.

Abdomen: Median segment considerably longer than metanotum, narrowing towards posterior margin. Segments II–V slightly increasing in length, II 3.5x, V almost 5x longer than wide. VI slightly shorter than V. Tergites V–VII often with a minute posteromedian granule. VII shorter than VI, 3x longer than wide and with posterior angles gently elevated and rounded. VIII about as long as VII, strongly swollen and gradually widening towards the posterior. IX strongly convex, constricted in posterior half and slightly shorter than previous. Anal segment a little longer than IX, laterally compressed and strongly tectiform. Semi-tergites moderately elongate, very gently down-curving and gradually tapered with the apex rounded dorsally and acute ventrally (Fig. 223). Interior surfaces densely covered with minute dark reddish brown teeth. Cerci elongate, round in cross-section, tapered and slightly in-curving apically; almost reaching apex of anal segment. Poculum strongly convex, cup-like and with a very prominent, elongate and acute, backward pointing central spine (Fig. 223)

Legs: All long and slender, with all carinae, except anteroventral carinae of profemora- and tibiae, minutely but densely dentate and finely bristled. Profemora longer than head, pro- and mesonotum combined, mesofemora about as long as pro- and mesonotum combined, metafemora reaching about half way along abdominal tergite V and metatibiae reaching to apex of anal segment. Anterodorsal carina of profemora with about 20 distinct and acute, triangular serrations. Posteroventral carinae with a slightly smaller number of pointed teeth. Posterodorsal carina with 4–8 minute teeth. Medioventral carina of meso- and metafemora with 10–13 minute spines, increasing in size towards the base. Posterodorsal carina occasionally with a single conspicuously enlarged tooth some 2/3 off the base. Mesotibiae with a more or less prominent triangular tooth or lobe about half way along posterodorsal carina, and a rounded, dentate lobe at the apex. Probasitarsus with all carinae ± prominently elevated and smooth, longer than remaining tarsomeres combined. Meso- and metabasitarsi as long as remaining tarsomeres combined except claw, dorsal carina strongly rounded and all carinae minutely serrate.

Variation: T. biceps shows considerable variation concerning to the size, shape and number of the tubercles or spines of the vertex, armature of the legs and tarsi and colouration. A ♂ from Pulau Penang in the first author’s collection (coll. FH, No. 0193-1) is remarkable for its dark greyish brown colour, strongly developed leg armature, strongly raised dorsal carina of the basitarsi and very prominently raised vertex, bearing five distinct but irregularly set spiniform tubercles. Furthermore, the left mesofemur of this specimen has a prominent triangular lobe about 2/3 the way along the posterodorsal carina. Captive reared specimens from a culture stock imported to Europe in the 1990’s from Java are remarkable for their comparatively small size, which may be due to the rearing conditions and alternative foodplants offered. The six reared ♀♀ from this stock in the first author’s collection (coll. FH, No’s 0193-2 to 7) measure body lengths of only 152.0–170.0 mm, while most other ♀♀ examined exceed 180.0 mm. In contrast to ♀♀, the two captive reared ♂♂ of the concerned stock in the same collection (coll. FH, No’s 0193-8 & 9) are not considerably shorter than other specimens, measuring 120.5 mm and 125.0 mm. A ♀ from Pengalengan (Java) in the collection of A. Finot ( MNHN) exhibits remarkable bold white diagonal lines on the dorsal surface of the body .

Eggs (Figs. 165–166): Medium-sized, almost spherical, general colouration of capsule and micropylar plate pale creamish grey, operculum blackish brown. Lateroventrally with a conspicuous, bold olive brown marking and slightly darker grey areas around micropylar plate. Whole capsule surface shiny and very unevenly granulose (70x). Micropylar plate slightly more than 2/3 the length of capsule, shaped like a bold inverted “Y” and with a bold reddish brown band along outer margin. Apices of all micropylar extension rounded. Micropylar cup placed in posteromedial gap of plate, cup-like. Median line slightly raised, not reaching apices of posterior extensions of plate. Polar-area with an oval, dark brown spot and a minute, blunt granule in the centre. Operculum almost circular, slightly convex and with a slight central impression. Capitulum yellowish brown, very prominent and irregularly funnel-shaped. Stalk indistinct, blackish.

Measurements [mm]: Length including capitulum 4.5–4.9, length 3.7–4.0, width 3.0–3.2, height 3.2–3.8, length of micropylar plate 2.4–3.0.

Comments: Redtenbacher (1908: 451) originally described this characteristic species from a syntype series consisting of at least 27 specimens deposited in NHMW, MHNG, MNHN, ISNB, MNHU, ZMUH, ZMAS and HNHM all from Java, with the exception of a ♀ from Assam (= Northeast India) in SMNS and a specimen stated to be from Tonkin (= Vietnam) in MNHN. The latter specimen in MNHN was not traced, or is represented by one of the three ♀♀ from Java contained in that collection, with the locality mistaken by Redtenbacher. Although the locality ( Bangladesh) of the SMNS specimen is questionable it is clearly conspecific with the remaining type-series. Both localities are here regarded as erroneous, due to there are no recent records from Vietnam or Bangladesh The specimen(s) that Redtenbacher listed from HNHM appear to have been destroyed by fire (Brock, 1988b: 17) and so the exact number of specimens remains unknown. A ♀ in NHMW is here selected as the lectotype, as the NHMW specimens were the only ones that Redtenbacher had at hand himself with confirmation .

Examination of the ♂ from Java in SMNS, which Redtenbacher (1908: 480) recorded as Pharnacia cantori ( Westwood, 1859) , has shown this to be a typical ♂ T. biceps . The ♂ from Java, two ♀♀ and ♀ nymph from Buitenzorg (= Bogor, Java) in RMNH, which de Haan (1842: 131) erroneously identified as Phasma (Cladoxerus) acanthopus Burmeister , are also typical representatives of this characteristic species. The ♀, which de Haan (1842: 131) termed “Varietas feminea” from Tapos (Java) is not traced in RMNH.

Pharnacia chiniensis Seow-Choen 1998 is undoubtedly a junior synonym of this characteristic but strongly variable species and the first published record from Peninsular Malaysia (syn. nov.). The synonymy is confirmed by a ♂ from Pulau Penang (Peninsular Malaysia) in the first author’s collection (coll. FH, No. 0193-1). Although the type specimens of Ph. chiniensis were not examined, the rather detailed descriptions and nice illustrations provided by Seow-Choen show all the characteristic features of T. biceps , e.g. the conically elevated and distinctly bi-tuberculate head of both sexes, characteristic legs armature; strongly dorsally rounded basitarsi and green anterior margin of tegmina and alae of ♂♂.

T. biceps is widespread throughout great parts of Java and Sumatra and appears to be quite common in the Tasek Chini area in central Peninsular Malaysia. The record “Lombok” listed below concerns to a culturestock imported to Europe and reared in captivity for a few generations in the late 1990’s (see below). According to its wide range, this species shows considerable variation concerning to the size, shape of the tubercles or horns of the vertex, armature of the legs and colouration.

T. biceps is being successfully cultured in Europe since the late 1990’s from stock originating from an unknown locality in Java and was included on the Phasmid Study Group culture-list as culture No. 203. A second stock from E-Java is currently being imported and successfully reared in Europe. In captivity it readily accepts oak ( Quercus spp. , Fagaceae ), bramble ( Rubus spp. , Rosaceae ), rose ( Rosa spp. , Rosaceae ) and Salal ( Gaultheria shallon , Ericaceae ) as alternative foodplants. Seow-Choen (2000: 38) stated Hopea nutans (Dipterocarpaceae) to be the natural food-plant at Tasek Chini (Peninsular Malaysia) and Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae) and Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae) to be accepted as alternative foodplants in captivity in Singapore. In the early 1990’s stock from Lombok was imported to Europe, but the culture was not maintained for any longer than a few generations and died out soon. This was included on the Phasmid Study Group culture-list as culture No. 137 “ Pharnacia sp. ”. ♀♀ of the first Javanese stock are remarkable for their very small size (see comments on variation above). This species is apparently easy to rear in very large and well ventilated cages with nymphs taking some 5 months to reach maturity. ♀♀ produce an average of eight eggs per day.

Distribution (Fig. 400): Java (Malang; Soekabaia; Tengger Mountains 4000 ft.; Kenden Mountains; Radjamandala, Mt. Ofanpanja 1200 m; Passeroean; Kahic, Barve; Bogor [= Buitenzorg]; Pengalengan; Nuhn & Mount Picket), Sumatra (Solok; Ponteboek, Bekui-Deli; Telokbetong & Sapama), Lombok and Peninsular Malaysia (Pulau Penang; Kedah: Kuala Ketil; Pahang: Tasek Chini & Bukit Kutu 3300 ft.). Northeast India [= Assam] (with doubt).

Number of specimens examined: 73