The wide-bodied golden ray cricket, also known as the Phnom Penh large grasshopper or the wide-bodied grasshopper, is a highly valuable aquatic species with significant economic potential. It has gained increasing attention in the medical field due to its ability to enhance blood circulation and reduce blood loss. However, in natural habitats, populations of this species are declining rapidly due to overfishing and severe water pollution. As a result, the demand for this creature continues to outpace its natural supply, making artificial breeding an essential solution.
Based on practical experience and available research, this article provides a brief overview of the biological characteristics and artificial breeding techniques of the wide-bodied golden ray cricket, aiming to serve as a reference for breeders interested in cultivating this species.
First, let's explore the biological features of the wide-bodied golden ray cricket:
1. **Morphological Characteristics**:
This aquatic insect is commonly found near water bodies, especially in moist areas close to the shore. Taxonomically, it belongs to the family Leechidae, though some classifications may vary. Its body is slightly elongated and flattened, with a soft, segmented structure that allows it to change shape depending on its activity or feeding state. Adults typically range from 6 cm to 20 cm in length, with some individuals reaching up to 30 cm when fully stretched. The body width usually falls between 1.3 cm and 2 cm. The back is dark green with five yellow and black stripes, while the abdomen is light yellow with irregular dark spots. At the front and rear ends of the body, there are specialized suction cups used for attachment and movement. These structures help the cricket move across surfaces and remain anchored in place. The mouth contains two rows of blunt teeth, which aid in piercing the skin of its host. Unlike many other aquatic animals, the wide-bodied golden ray cricket does not have specialized respiratory organs; instead, it relies on gas exchange through its skin. It has five simple eye points on the head, which are mainly used to detect light direction and intensity. In terms of movement, it can swim, crawl, or use peristaltic motion, depending on its environment.
2. **Habitat and Living Habits**:
These crickets prefer warm, shallow, and quiet water environments with plenty of vegetation and aquatic life. They thrive in areas with snails, soft soil, and clean water. The ideal water temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C. If the temperature rises above 30°C, they may become stressed and seek cooler waters. When temperatures drop below 10°C, they enter a hibernation-like state. They feed primarily on mollusks such as snails and river snails, but they can also consume vertebrate blood. Due to their reliance on cutaneous respiration, they don’t require high levels of dissolved oxygen. They can survive in low-oxygen conditions and even in moist environments without water. They are adaptable to a wide pH range (4.5–10.1), but they prefer slightly acidic water (pH 6.5–7.0) for optimal health.
3. **Reproductive Behavior**:
The wide-bodied golden ray cricket is a hermaphroditic species, meaning each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs. Mating involves two individuals aligning their bodies and exchanging sperm through their genital openings. After mating, females lay eggs in loose soil, often digging small holes about 50–80 cm deep. A mucus layer forms around the eggs, and a protein-rich fluid is secreted to nourish them. The parent then withdraws, sealing the entrance. Under suitable environmental conditions, the eggs hatch within 20 days or more. This process highlights the importance of maintaining proper moisture, temperature, and soil quality in artificial breeding settings.
By understanding these biological traits and reproductive habits, breeders can better manage and cultivate this economically valuable species, ensuring its survival and sustainable use in both ecological and commercial contexts.
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