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Phaenopharos struthioneus (Westwood, 1859)
| Family Name: | Heteronemiidae |
| Taxonomic Group: | Invertebrates (Stick Insect) |
Name
Ecology, Habitat & Location
| Ecological Notes | A very specialised feeder, capable of flight, hence it is able to search out its food plants easily. It may be found in primary and in undisturbed secondary forests as long as its food plants are present. It requires a very humid environment. |
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| Habitats | Forest, Terrestrial |
| Distribution | Singapore, Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra. The species may be found throughout Peninsular Malaysia but never in large numbers. It is known to exist in Singapore but the last sighting was in the 1960s. |
Conservation
| Trends & Threats | The main threat to these phasmids is the destruction of their food plants. Some of these species are rarely seen because their food plants are rare. Other reasons for their scarcity may be due to other very specific environmental requirements such as humidity, light and temperature. All are very sensitive to misuse of insecticides. |
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| Scientific Interest & Potential Value | Of interest for their ability to regenerate lost limbs, during their nymphal stages, and their ability to reproduce by parthenogenesis. They are part of Singapore's natural heritage. |
| Conservation Notes | Conservation of forests and preservation of the original forest habitats are most important for the continued survival of these species. |
Status
| Species Status | Native |
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| Singapore Red Data Book Status | Critically Endangered (CR) [2008] |
Photos
References
| References | Davison, G.W.H., Ng, P.K.L. & Ho, H.C (Eds.). 2008. The Singapore Red Data Book (2nd Edition). Singapore: Nature Society (Singapore). 285pp |
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