Critically Endangered Tree Lobster Nymphs

A captive breeding program for the critically endangered Lord Howe Island stick insect—or tree lobster—has been underway at the San Diego Zoo for just one month, and it is already hitting milestones. The Entomology department is caring for the first 73 nymphs that have hatched from 300 eggs the Zoo received on January 29, 2016. Entomologists are also preparing as the oldest nymphs complete their first instar, the growth period that occurs between molts. Molting is accomplished by shedding their exoskeleton—