Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I don't know who's circulating that myth, but, I bought some yesterday, and they're certainly climbing right out of the plastic tote I bought to put them in.

They don't climb well, and if I even touch the tote, they fall back into the cage, but they are indeed climbing the sides.

I put about a 4" strip of clear packing tape along the top, and they can't seem to get past that . . . Is this enough to keep them in? Or should I go back to the store, and try to find one of the clear/translucent tubs with perfectly smooth sides? I went with a blue tote, because I thought they might appreciate the darkness more, but if they're going to escape, I'll get something clear/translucent, and just tape some newspaper to the outside.

thanks,
Ronnie Nocera

>>I don't know who's circulating that myth, but, I bought some yesterday, and they're certainly climbing right out of the plastic tote I bought to put them in.

I would put a lid on it too. Personally I bought a group of these and thought I could do away with my Lobsters. NOT!
I found these things loose everywhere and never saw them climb but figured they fly or teleport. Containing my lobsters is WAY easier and they must taste better my ackie and beardies would look at them funny if they could catch one. The Lateralis were sticky and nasty and FAST. I was finding loose ones a couple months after doing away with my colony. And they took longer to reproduce and weren't as big. They seem fussier eaters too. The Lobsters eat anything. Lateralis let stuff sit and rot.
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Sonya

I'm not mean. You're just a sissy.
Happy Bunny

Try a glass tank. I had the same problem with my B.dubia in the first sterilite tub I put them in. Apparently some plastic tubs aren't smooth enough to prevent climbing, especially the smaller nymphs.

I moved them all to a glass tank and no climbing now, though I put a couple inches of vaseline along the top just to be safe.

I don't have a problem with my Lateralis climbing the sides of the opaque Sterlite tubs I use. But you have to be careful about cleaning plastic tubs...rub a little too hard with any kind of abrasive cleaner or pad and you'll leave millions of very, very small scratches that they can get a foothold on.

I do keep a screened top on them "just in case" and also because I almost accidently kicked over a tub of them while it was on the floor...Whew!

Scott Nellis