YAY! My locust are mating!!

[Becky Wheeler]

Well since talking to Twiisted (Thank you hunny) on this forum i decided to order 50 adult locust and give breeding a try!.

I got a 2ft glass tank, made my own mesh lid for good ventilation, a large heatmat that covers most of the back of the tank and that's connected to a stat. And 2 cricket tubs filled with damp sand.

I've been feeding them really well on porridge oats, rice krispies and a wide range of veg and leafy greens.

Well after having them for a few days, nothing happened? and i suspected i had mostly females as they were quite large and dull looking. anyway walked into homebase today and got a cheap desk lamp (20watt Halogen) and placed that ontop of the mesh lid facing down.

Well tonight! I have just looked at the locust colony and to my surprise they have started breeding! i found 2 pairs! one were actually mating at the time and the other pair the male was riding her back.

I'm so happy!! I'm just waiting to see what happens!

Does anyone know the gestation period for female, from mating to actually laying her eggs??

Look! there bums are connected!