how many grams can extatosoma consume?

[zelth]

Hi Do you know how many grams can a adult Extatosoma consume per day?

[Taz Devil]

looks like you'll be getting your weighing scales out to find out this answer. :)

[TheGreenMan]

maybe a good way to find out would be to isolate a large mature adult female for a day with plenty of food and then collect the faecal matter produced and weigh it. I suppose this would give you a reasonable idea. Sounds fun :)

[Taz Devil]

Wouldn't that give a false reading. As the leaves have a high water content which is retained by the phasmid and not passed out in the faecal matter.

cannot think of a good or accurate way to do this especial when measuring such low quantaties.

[TheGreenMan]

Yes it would be less as you say water etc would be taken out so i think if you multiplied the weight by say 150% maybe 200%? you might get a better idea of how much leaf weight they actually eat.