The Phasmid

Study Group CHAIRMAN: Judith Marshall.

Dept. of Entomology, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road,

London SW7 5BD. (Tel: 0171 938 9344 ; FAX 0171 938 8937)

TREASURER/MEMBERSHIP: Paul Brock.

"Papttlon", 40 Thorndike Road, Slough, Berks. SL2 1SR.

(Tel: 01753 579447)

SECRETARY: Phil Bragg.

51 Longfield Lane, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 4DX.

(Tel: 0115 9305010)

MARCH 1997 NEWSLETTER No 70 ISSN 0268-3806

DIARY DATES 1997

M A R C H 23rd. MIDLANDS ENTOMOLOGICAL FAIR

Granby Halls, Leicester

M A R C H 30th. 2nd SOUTHERN AREA R E P T I L E SHOW

Black Lion Leisure Centre, Gillingham, Kent. 1030 hrs - 1600 hrs.

MAY 17th. B L A T T O D E A C U L T U R E GROUP & MANTIS STUDY GROUP COMBINED

M E E T I N G .

Birmingham Nature Centre, Pershore Road, Birmingham. (Details from Phil Bragg)

MAY 18th. B R I T I S H TARANTULA SHOW

Wood Green High School, Wood Green Road, Wednesbury, West Midlands Contact: Paul Taylor, 24 Forge Road, Shustoke, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 2AU. 8 01675 481578

J U L Y 26th. T H E PHASMID STUDY GROUP Summer Meeting

The Natural History Museum, South Kensington, London.

O C T O B E R 26th - 30th 7th INTERNATIONAL M E E T I NG OF T H E ORTHOPTERISTS' S O C I E T Y .

Cairns, Australia, (see further in Newsletter for more details)

The Phasmid Study Group has been invited to exhibit at all the above Shows. I f you would like to help run our stand, please contact the member named or

Paul Jennings at 89 Brackensdale Avenue, Derby, DE22 4AF, S01332 343477. I f members are willing to run a stand at shows not mentioned here,

please contact the Editor with dates, or i f you have missed a Newsletter, a write up of how you got on. I f you require Membership Forms these are

available from the Editor.

1998

JANUARY 24th. T H E PHASMID STUDY GROUP A.G .M.

The Natural History Museum, South Kensington, London.

70:2

E X H I B I T I O N S & M E E T I N G S R E P O R T

Christmas Entomological Show, Leicester, December 1st. by Paul Taylor.

Considering how late in the year this show is, it always attracts a good crowd Perhaps

everybody is after those last minute Christmas presents. The PSG only had one table and as

usual, the table was packed with displays and freebies. The table still attracts both members and

the general public, the latter always being interested in the number of species o f stick available.

The spring show, on March 30th, will be the last show to be held at Granby Halls, as the local

Council wil l be demolishing this much loved venue.

P. S. G . Annual General Meeting

This took place at our usual venue, "The Natural History Museum", London and was attended by

approximately 80 people, o f which about 40 were members. As well as the A G M reports (see

below) Paul Brock gave a video presentation o f his collecting expedition to California and the

genus Timema, this being followed by the livestock exchange where a large quantity o f stick

insects was distributed to members. Following the livestock exchange, Judith Marshall with the

assistance o f Phil Bragg gave an interesting talk on the Phasmid collections that are housed in the

museum. A large number of display drawers where brought down for members to see the more

unusual species that are not usually seen by the general public.

Thanks must go to all the members who helped out on the day, making it another successful

meeting.

Reports by various officers at "The Phasmid Study Group" A . G . M . held at the Natural

History Museum on 25th January 1997.

Chairman's Report given by Judith Marshall

A number o f events had taken place during the last twelve months which Judith felt should be

brought up.

The first being Phil Bragg's proposals in Newsletter 68:7-8, and correction in 69:9. It was felt

that it be inappropriate to discuss the proposals at the A G M until members had had sufficient

time to air there views through the Newsletter.

The second item was an apology to members from the PSG for the lateness o f the last two

Newsletters, which prevented members from discussing Phil's proposals.

Members who wish to comment on the proposals that Phil has put forward can do so between

now and the December Newsletter, this giving plenty of opportunity to put your views across.

New members who would like a copy of Phil's proposals should send a stamped addressed

envelope to the Editor.

Treasurer 's Report given by Paul Brock

1996 ended with a record number of members - 506 (1995 - 471). New members were attracted

to the Group from various sources, including Phasmid books, other organisations,

recommendations from members and several from a new source - the Internet page, set up by

Gordon Ramel.

T - Shirt sales were considerably lower than in 1995; towards the end of the year new

promotional items were purchased, i.e. pens and car window stickers, for sale at meetings. Costs

were kept very low in 1996, resulting in a surplus income for the year of £424.48, leaving the

Group in a strong financial position, with a general reserve of £3407.78.

70:3

Editors' Reports.

Newsletter by Paul Taylor

Contributions for the Newsletter have been arriving at a steady pace, but that is no excuse for members to stop sending material in. Please send in what contributions you can, pictures, cartoons, anything Phasmid oriented.

The lateness of the Newsletter was again brought up, with myself again apologising for the delays (please see "Your Newsletter" further on)

Phasmid Studies given by Phil Bragg

Material for publication is always wanted by Phil, as some months he may have plenty, and others hardly any at all. If you want to send a larger article in to Phil, but don't know how to set about starting it up, or even want diagrams done, then please contact Phil who will only be to glad to help out. Authors of articles in Phasmid Studies are allowed 25 free off prints of their article.

Librarian's Report by Paul Taylor

Unfortunately, due to a prior commitment, Dr David Robinson was unable to be present, so in his absence, I gave a brief report. During the next few months, I shall be at some stage taking on the distribution of the back copies, therefore until the change over has taken place members are requested to refrain from ordering back copies. Once the change over has taken place, then I shall inform members through the Newsletter.

Many thanks must go to Dr Robinson for all the work that has been put into the distribution of the back copies.

Exhibition & Meetings Officer's Report given by Paul Jennings

It is always a problem trying to find somebody willing to give a talk at a meeting. If you would like to give a talk, or can suggest some sort of activity at a meeting, then please get in touch with Paul.

Exhibitions are always well attended, and there are usually plenty of members available to help out. If you want to organise an exhibition at one of the insect fairs, or are doing something at a local show, then don't forget to let Paul know, and don't forget to do a write up for the Newsletter.

Livestock Co-ordinator's Report given by Ian Abercrombie

Again Ian informed members that the amount of livestock that is being requested is greater than that which is available. If you do have any spare stock, then please let Ian now, or send him the eggs. A common species to one member may be only a starter species to another, and without this spare stock, Ian finds it difficult to provide for everybody's needs.

Election of Officers & Committee

No member wrote in requesting to stand on the committee. The present Officers and Committee all agreed to continue.

Officers elected to posts:

Chairman: Judith Marshall. Dept. of Entomology, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD. Tel: 0171 938 9344.

Treasurer/Membership Secretary: Paul Brock. "Papillon", 40 Thorndike Road, Slough, Berks., SL2 1SR. Tel: 01753 579447.

70:4

Secretary: Phil Bragg. 51 Longfield Lane, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 4DX Tel: 0115 9305010.

Editors

PhasmidStudies: Phil Bragg. 51 Longfield Lane, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 4DX. Tel: 0115

9305010.

Newsletter: Paul Taylor. 24 Forge Road, Shustoke, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 2AU. Tel:

01675 481578

Librarian: Dr David Robinson. Dept. of Biology, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton

Keynes, M K 7 6AA. Tel: 01908 653493

Exhibition & Meetings Officer: Paul Jennings. 89 Brackensdale Ave., Kingsway, Derby,

DE22 4AF. Tel: 01332 343477

Livestock Co-ordinator: Ian Abercrombie. 59 Romney Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent,

TN24 0RR Tel: 01233 621026

Committee members:

James Waddicor. 3 Squires Copse, Peatmoor, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 8HB. Tel: 01793

877617.

Kim D'hulster. Kard, Cardijnlaan 21, B-9100 St. Niklaas, Belgium. Tel: 03/776 84 51.

Wim Potvin. Brusselbaan 7, 1600 St. Pieters-Leeuw, Belgium.

Mel Herbert. St. David's School, Ramstein, BFPO 109.

Ingo Fritzsche. Huberstrasse 1, 38855 Wernigerode, Germany.

Any other business:

Proposed Expedition. Enough interest has been shown in Phil's proposed 20th Anniversary

Expedition in 1999. Phil will go ahead with getting more details together which wil l be

advertised through the Newsletter.

Two-day meeting: There is a possibility that a two day meeting could be held at the Natural

History Museum. Again, Phil will be looking into this and details wil l be made known through

the Newsletter.

Merchandise: James Waddicor will be dealing with the sales of pens and car window stickers,

and these wil l be available for purchase by either mail order or at shows and meetings.

Date of next meeting:

The date o f the summer meeting was set at July 26th at "The Natural History Museum".

Your Newsletter Paul Taylor

It is most unfortunate that the past two Newsletters have been published somewhat late, and as I

stated earlier in this Newsletter, both Judith and I have apologised to members that were present

at the A G M for this lateness. Whilst we all endeavour to ensure that publication is as near to the

month that publication should take place, regrettably problems sometimes occur, as has done for

the past two Newsletters. The first instance was due to a Postal strike, then confounded by the

Newsletter going astray in the post, as I put in the December issue. Regrettably the December

issue was held up due to illness and then a bereavement as well as the Christmas post adding to

70:5

the problems.

It is not very often that these problems do occur, so I therefore ask members to be patient i f

your Newsletter does not appear when it should. Unfortunately some members have been a "bit

off' when ringing up about the lateness, even when it is only a couple of weeks. By all means

ring me to see if the Newsletter has been missed, we all know that things go astray in the post,

but please remember that these problems do occur, and also that committee members do have full

time jobs, and do the work as a hobby.

7th International Meeting of the Orthopterists' Society.

The above meeting of the Orthopterists' Society will be taking place at the Cairns Colonial Club

Resort, Cairns, Queensland, Australia between the 26th and the 30th October 1997. It is being

organised by Dr. David Rentz. The Cairns Colonial Club Resort is situated on five hectares of

tropical landscaped gardens and is only 6 km from Cairns City Centre and 7 km from Cairns

International Airport. A number of outings have been organised during the Conference, both for

delegates and accompanying partners.

Further information can be obtained by sending a SSAE to the Editor, or contacting the

organisers direct: Orthopterists' Society International, CI- ACTS, GPO Box 2200, Canberra

ACT 2601, Australia. Telephone: (int) 61 6 257 3299; Facsimile: (int) 61 6 257 3256 or E-mail:

orthop@acts. ccmail. Compuserve, com

Changes to the PSG Culture List Phil Bragg

Unless there are some unforeseen problems, an updated culture list should be enclosed with this

Newsletter. As usual there are a number of changes as a result of species being re-identified or

recently described. Most of these changes have been described in the Newsletters of 1996.

There are two new additions.

PSG 183

This is an unidentified species of Pachymorphinae collected from the Andaman Islands by Tony

James. It is wingless, sexual and feeds on Bramble. The eggs are cylindrical.

PSG 184

This is an unidentified species of Necrosciinae collected from the Andaman Islands by Tony

James. I have not seen this species which is said to be Sipyloidea - like. It is winged, sexual and

feeds on Bramble. The eggs are grey and almost spherical.

PSG MERCHANDISE

Pens & Car Window stickers are now available.

Prices are as follows:-

Pens 40p each + p & p

Car Window Stickers 60p each + p & p.

(p & p - UK mainland 25p; Overseas 40p)

Please send your order to: James Waddicor, 3 Squires Copse, Peatmoor, Swindon, Wiltshire,

SN5 5HB, England,

(cheques should be made payable to "The Phasmid Study Group")

70:6

Eggs of PSG 179, and PSG 183 Phil Bragg

The eggs of these two species are very similar and I have only briefly looked at adults of the

Thailand species (PSG 179) and have only seen small nymphs of the species from the Andaman

Islands (PSG 183). Judging by the eggs it seems likely that they belong to the same genus, or at

least to closely related genera. I have only seen one egg of the Thailand species and 12 of the

Andaman species. The Andaman species firmly glues the ventral surface to stems or leaves.

According to Mark Bushell (see Phasmid Studies 4:2), the Thailand species glues the egg by

the dorsal surface, however in the egg I have examined it appears to have been glued by the

ventral surface (although was loose when I received it). The differences are as follows:

PSG 183 from the Andaman Islands.

Capsule granulose. Operculum and polar end each with a raised collar with a deep central

depression; the two ends of the egg are almost identical. Micropylar plate very distinct.

Micropylar cup about one third of the way from the polar end. Length 8.8mm, height 1 3mm,

width 1.4mm.

The hatch rate seems good: 10 of my 12 hatched, one of the others was damaged and one went

mouldy.

PSG 179, from Thailand.

Capsule with short spine-like setae. Operculum missing from the only specimen I have seen.

Polar end slightly flattened on the ventral side. Micropylar plate rather indistinct although the

median line is distinct. Micropylar cup almost centrally positioned, only slightly closer to the

polar end. Length 9.1mm, height 1.1mm, width 1.0mm.

Spermatophores in Phenacephorus auriculatus Phil Bragg.

This is yet another species which produces spermatophores. I recently removed one from the

terminalia of a mating pair. It was white and spherical, with a diameter of 1.4mm.

Wing length of Phaenoyharos herwaardeni fPSG 104) Phil Bragg.

In the September newsletter Robert Graham illustrated a female Phaenopharos herwaardeni with

unequal sized wings (PSG Newsletter 68: 11). The most likely explanation for this is that the

smaller wing failed to expand properly when the insect became adult. Once the old skin has been

shed, the wings are inflated by pumping blood into the wing veins. Any blockage or damage to

the veins will prevent proper inflation. This can occur in any winged species but in species with

large wings it would be more dramatic, and the wing would appear crumpled; the fact that it

would also be smaller would probably be overlooked. Three likely causes in captivity are: the

wing being spiked on the food plant (especially if bramble is used), or the wing being bitten by

another insect in the cage, or the insect falling after shedding the old skin and damaging the wing

veins when it land on its back.

Fungal growth in phasmid droppings - Phil Bragg.

Peter Vice's "intestinal infection/parasite" problem (PSG Newsletter 68:9) is the same thing that

was referred to me by Dawn Tudor some years ago (with Lonchodes brevipes), and the same

thing I had with some Lonchodes catori. In Peter and Dawn's cases I ended up keeping

droppings in my fridge (they're great sprinkled on cornflakes!) while I got around to investigating

them. Oh, if you must send droppings to me, don't label the outside of the package with "stick

insect droppings - urgent" - the postman gives me funny looks! It seems to be a mould which

70:7

develops with a slightly unusual appearance if it grows in the restricted space inside the phasmid's

gut.

Microscopic examination (low power, and without staining) was inconclusive but seemed to

suggest a fungus, so I tried culturing the white bits. Not having any agar to hand, and being too

busy to chase around trying to get some, I sterilized some phasmid droppings from one of my

own (non-infected) cultures and used its as the growth medium. A mould consisting of fine white

hyphae giving rise to dark grey sporangia was produced (similar to Mucor). This did not have

the same appearance as the large, mainly globular, white bits in the droppings supplied by Peter

(and several years ago by Dawn). I tried again a week later, with the same result. However I had

not thrown away the first attempt and on re-examination I found some white globules in the

culture. The globular structures were all in the gaps between adjacent droppings, the surface of

the droppings are covered in normal hyphae. It seem that the mould develops a globular

mycelium when in a confined space but otherwise has the more typical thin hyphae and vertical

sporangia. It must grow quickly in the insect's gut to reach such a large size before it is egested,

but it does not seem to produce sporangia in the gut. Presumably spores produced outside the

body are ingested when the insect feeds.

Since it is obviously capable of a completely free existence, it is very unlikely that the mould is

parasitic. Neither Dawn nor I found any effect on the life-span or reproduction of the infected

cultures so there does not seem to be anything to worry about. Getting rid of such an infection

should be quite easy: keep the cages cool, relatively dry and clear out the droppings daily;

washing the new food plant may also help. New infections occur if the spores are brought in on

the food plant, and are most likely to occur in warm humid weather since these conditions favour

spore formation but they could also occur at other times when the food plants are brought into

your warm humid cages!

Carnivorous Sticks Stan Pack

I was recently removing a female A. wuelfmgi prior to cleaning out a cage and replenishing the

herbage, when I felt her chewing on the tender area between my thumb and index finger, was this

a defence/offence reaction and has any one else noticed this behaviour.

Sticks everywhere Stan Pack

Have you ever noticed how C. morosus nymphs will appear in cages and tanks of other species of

sticks. I have put them on a long and high Privet hedge, and they seem to survive. Perhaps it is

the milder winters we seem to be getting. I also have had other species of sticks escape into the

garden and thrive in our hot summers.

ACTIVITIES FOR FUTURE P.S.G MEETINGS

Exhibition and Meetings Officer - Paul Jennings

I urgently require offers from members wishing to give a talk on a Phasmid related topic at

future meetings. Examples of previous talks include: Painting Wildlife in Water-colours,

Phasmid Taxonomy, Slide Shows and Photography of Phasmids.

Ideally we like to have two talks per meeting, each one lasting for approximately 30 to 45

minutes. Anyone wishing to give a talk should contact me A S A P , on 01332 343477 or by

post: 89 Brackensdale Ave., Kingsway, Derby, DE22 4AF.

[ await your offers!

70:8

Sale of Livestock Frances Holloway and Michael Lazenby

We would like to make the following comments on Phil Bragg's proposals in the September newsletter to allow some species to be sold to non-members:

1) One purpose of Rule 22 which Phil omits is to prevent people profiting from insects given to them free. This principle should continue to include C. morosus and S. sipylus, for example, which Phil proposes to exempt.

2) Phil says that few members are likely to sell livestock unless they become overstocked. But two of his supposed benefits (making money towards the cost of cages and also providing an incentive to keep easier species) clearly contradicts this in that they involve members' selling for profit; and this will obviously encourage more overstocking.

3) There are other worthwhile ways of finding homes for surplus livestock, e.g. by giving them to nearby zoos, butterfly houses, field study centres and perhaps schools.

4) Pet shops are notorious for mistreating their animals, and even entomological suppliers (at the AES Exhibition for example) usually sell Phasmids in a cramped box, often without food, and without advice on the insects' species, sex, rearing and food requirements. We cannot agree with Phil that it is in accordance with the PSG aims to increase the availability of Phasmids outside the Group, let alone in such appalling conditions.

5) Overstocking of Phasmids can be avoided by destroying surplus eggs in a freezer. Members giving away easy species should advise recipients in advance of the likely hatching rate (and how to avoid overstocking). Thereafter one can use ones own experience to determine the exact proportion of eggs to keep.

6) We cannot understand Phil's statement that his proposal would make members more likely to continue sending eggs to the Livestock Co-ordinator.

7) We also cannot understand Phil's statement that people currently put off joining the PSG would be more likely to join. The proposed change would not affect their freedom to continue selling their original species to the public; and it would still not permit them to sell to PSG members.

8) Several matters need clarifying:

a) Who will decide which species are de-regulated (the Livestock Co-ordinator? members at a meeting? the Committee?)

b) On what information will such decisions be based? We have seen no Census results published for several years, and in any event such censuses are unreliable as only a small minority of members complete their returns.

c) Will any selling take place on PSG stands at exhibitions?

d) If so, and if this selling involves an increase in the cost of such stands (as they will no longer be for non-profit making purposes) will the sellers pay the increased costs?

e) Will selling prices be fixed by the Group and, if so, by whom??

9) To remove the uncertainties and ambiguities mentioned by Phil, it would be better to simplify our Rule 22 just to say that Members should not sell any Phasmid livestock.

The people who would most lose by our simplification are those who make the largest private investment in obtaining species, i.e. those who collect from abroad. But the tradition in the PSG has always been that collectors do not sell even those species that they have personally

70:9

collected. For example, long standing and highly respected collectors like Allan Harman and

Paul Brock have never sold their species. In fact, we know of only one collector who sells

species he collects.

Our change would also clear up the position of dealer members who at present are tolerated

but not really welcome. Most members who become dealers resign from the PSG anyway.

So our change would really affect only a few members, while greatly clarifying and simplifying

the present situation.

10) The Group was set up to encourage people to study and culture Phasmids, and members

have joined on this basis. We think it would be a sad day if this whole ethos were set aside so

that some of these fascinating creatures (no matter how easy to rear) became just commodities

to be bought and sold.

We therefore urge you to vote against Phil's proposals for selling livestock.

Proposed change to the PSG Constitution Frances Holloway and Michael Lazenby

In the September Newsletter (with corrections in the December Newsletter) Phil Bragg proposed

a change to Rule 16 so that "changes to the constitution shall be made only by postal

ballot of all members". We would like to make the following comments:

1) This proposed change cannot go ahead as it would be in direct contradiction to Rule 24, which

states that Rules may be altered only at specified meetings.

2) Details would have to be added to Phil's proposal to cover such matters as how the response

to a ballot is to be interpreted (e.g. how many votes are needed to make it valid).

3) (In case anyone doesn't know, the minimum percentage [or number] of members which must

be present at meetings to make their decisions valid is known as a quorum). I f with increasing

membership, reaching the Groups quorum of 10% will become harder at meetings, it would be

far simpler to reduce the quorum than to go for ballots. Also, if the quorum is reduced then,

by the same reasoning, aj]_decisions (not only those about Rules) would need to be taken by

ballot, which would be absurd.

Proposed two - day PSG meeting Frances Holloway and Michael Lazenby

We would like to make the following comments on Phil Bragg's proposal in the September

Newsletter.

1) Phil's suggested charge for attending meetings raises many objections:

a) It may well be illegal to charge for any decision - making meetings because it could prevent

poorer members from attending (obvious examples being children, students, unemployed

people and pensioners - all of whom are represented in the PSG and attend meetings)

b) It would be undemocratic to charge those who wish to vote on Group affairs.

c) It would be ridiculous to charge people who benefit the Group, by doing work and/or giving

away livestock for example. Such people would be discouraged unless they are exempted

from the charge - certainly we would be discouraged.

d) People not interested in other Groups sharing the two days could find the charge particularly

objectionable.

2) I f the problem is one of time available, then this could easily be increased by taking full

advantage of the Natural History Museum's opening hours, i.e. having meetings from 1000 hrs

to 1700 hrs (7 hours). This used to be done and members from as far as continental Europe

70:10

then frequently attended. Also, the meeting time for a two day meeting would surely be only

about twice as long as at present, not four times as long (as Phil suggests).

3) We would not expect value for money to be better than now for the following reasons:

a) Any venue in the London area will be very expensive, as any schools, universities, church

halls, libraries, etc., are all desperately short of money and are letting as a source o f income.

b) Venues fulfilling all Phil's criteria (particularly the need for at least four rooms) wil l be even

more expensive, especially when extra costs such as overnight security and winter heating for

any Phasmids are added to those Phil considers.

c) Any overnight accommodation in London for members is also now very expensive, and

travelling costs are often more expensive that a day return.

4) Paul Jennings has great difficulty in finding enough speakers for our one day meetings. This

wil l become more difficult for a two day meeting, especially when Phil suggests "several

demonstrations, talks, etc., could be given at the same time".

5) Who would deal with the security o f the displays and members' possessions i f part o f the

meeting were open to the public, as Phil suggests? Insects have been stolen at members - only

meetings; and presumably Judith would not be able to bring Museum stock and literature away

from the Museum.

6) The questionnaire should have been returned to a neutral person: it is not fair on members or

on Phil that they should go to the proposer.

7) I t was undemocratic and unreliable to ask for the questionnaire to be returned when only Phil

and no opponents had had a chance to put their case.

We urge you to vote against any proposal to charge members for attending a two day meeting

Editors' note

Members who wish to comment on Phil's proposals may do so for inclusion in Newsletters until

the December Newsletter. New members who wish to take part in the discussion, but would like

a print out o f Phil's proposal should send a SSAE to the Editor.

Mantids

Are you interested in the studying and/or rearing of Mantids? I f so, why not join The Mantid

Study Group. Newsletters are produced every three months containing a variety o f articles, and

an emphasis on captive breeding.

For more information contact the Membership Secretary: Paul Taylor, 24 Forge Road, Shustoke,

Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 2AU, U.K.

« : 01675 481578. E-Mail: 100701.766@compuserve.com

70:11

A D V A N C E N O T I C E

Stick Insect Cage Workshop

Due to the lateness o f the December Newsletter where a "Cage Workshop" was advertised for

the A G M , which was subsequently cancelled, this will now take place at the Summer Meeting.

I f you would like to bring along a cage, or take part in a demonstration, then please contact The

Secretary, Phil Bragg. I f you would like leaflets drawn up for distribution to members on any

aspects o f cage construction or housing then please send details to the Editor, Paul Taylor, as

soon as possible. These leaflets can then be made available to members at meetings, or even as

articles for future Newsletters.

Male and female Sipyloidea sp.

by Daniel Hallett

70:12

WANTS & SURPLUS

I desperately need 1 Extatosoma tiaratum male nymph as I only have an adult male and a 4th

instar female nymph.

Contact: Hugh Tanton, "The Granary", Henfold Lane, South Holmwood, Dorking, Surrey, RH5

4NX. V 01306 885939

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Wanted, 1 adult female Dares validispinus

Contact: David Holland, 7 Elmtree Close, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 5DU.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

"T - SHIRTS"

"T - Shirts with the design of Oreophoetesperuana, Aretaon asperrimus and Heteropteryx

dilatata are now available from The Editor, Paul Taylor (address at end of Newsletter). Sizes

available are Medium {Heteropteryx only) Large and Extra Large, and the cost, still only £5.00

plus p&p. (UK mainland £1.00 p&p; Overseas £1.50 p&p)

Cheques should be made payable to "The Phasmid Study Group" and don't forget to state your

size, name and address and which "T - shirt" Oreophoetes peruana, Aretaon asperrimus or

Heteropteryx dilatata.

NEXT N E W S L E T T E R

Please send all contributions to the Editor:-

Paul Taylor, 24 Forge Road, Shustoke, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 2AU. England.

8 : 01675 481578. to reach me by 1st May 1997 or preferably earlier

Contributions can be accepted in the following forms:

a. Hand-written. b. Typed c. On IBM compatible computer disk providing it is sent on

a 3.5" double or high density disk. Files can be accepted as Dos Text, Microsoft Word for

Windows, Microsoft Works or as ASCI I files.

E-Mail: 100701.766@compuserve.com

All contributions to the Newsletter will be deemed to be submitted to the French GEP Le Monde

des Phasmes, the Belgian-Dutch Phasma and the German Arthropoda for translation.

NOTICE

It is to be directly understood that all views, opinions or theories, expressed in the pages of "The Newsletter" are those of the

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"The Phasmid Study Group"