Sadly, there are people who only seek to profit from the creatures they keep, buying large quantities of wild harvested oothecae, decimating wild populations and ‘factory farming’ them in unsuitable conditions to sell at the earliest opportunity.

The nymphs are frequently exported in contravention of customs laws, with huge risks to the wellbeing of the creatures and the introduction of non-native bacteria, viruses and parasites to many countries. We do not recommend supporting such exploitation and profiteers.

Also be aware that less common species could be hard to rear successfully and may prove to have limited opportunities to exchange with other breeders to maintain adequate genetic diversity for sustainable captive populations.

Harvesting particular species for short term circulation (usually by profiteers) and almost certain decline in captivity is an unnecessary loss to natural populations.