Invertebrate · Katydid & cricket
Spiny devil katydid care guide
Panacanthus cuspidatus
The spiny devil katydid is a advanced-level katydid & cricket from Ecuador, Peru, Colombia. Adults reach Body 5–7 cm and live 1 year in captivity. Predatory katydid that should be kept singly to avoid cannibalism.
- Enclosure 30 × 30 × 45 cm
- Temp 22–27°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a spiny devil katydid cost in Canada?
Spiny devil katydid quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- Body 5–7 cm
- Lifespan
- 1 year
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Ecuador, Peru, Colombia
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 22–27°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Omnivore – crickets, roaches, fruit, fish flakes
- Bioactive style
- Arboreal insect
Spiny devil katydid enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a arboreal insect bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Premium Coconut Fiber5 cm
A thin, moisture-holding floor layer keeps humidity up. Leave at least twice the insect’s length of clear space below perches for moulting.
Temperature: 22–27°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a spiny devil katydid eat?
Omnivore – crickets, roaches, fruit, fish flakes. Offer live insects 2–3 times weekly plus fruit and protein.
Handling, temperament & health
Defensive and can bite hard; handle with care.
Health watch: Moult failures from low humidity or lack of height.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist lightly (species dependent) and check food plants are fresh.
Weekly
- Replace food plants; remove frass and old leaves.
Monthly
- Wipe mesh and check for mites.
Yearly
- Replace the floor layer between generations.
Recommended for a spiny devil katydid bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 30 × 45 cm).
Spiny devil katydid FAQ
Is the spiny devil katydid good for beginners?
The spiny devil katydid is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Defensive and can bite hard; handle with care.
What size enclosure does a spiny devil katydid need?
At least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (about 12 × 12 × 18 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a spiny devil katydid cost in Canada?
Typically $50–120 CAD to buy, about $120–230 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $30–60 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a spiny devil katydid need?
Temperature: 22–27°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a spiny devil katydid eat?
Omnivore – crickets, roaches, fruit, fish flakes. Offer live insects 2–3 times weekly plus fruit and protein.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.