You might be familiar with flake soil, which is the substrates used for many beetle grubs. Always check with your local authorities for the requirements, and comply with it. Nowadays, its recommended to stay away from water-heavy fruit, like watermelon, to avoid upset stomach and a messy cage. Stag beetles have a dark, violet-brown elytra (wing cases) with reddish-brown antlers (females antlers are much smaller . But first, lets have a closer look at stag beetles and their biology. If you are reading this, you are probably considering keeping it as a pet. Ive been thinking about a beetle recently, and I was wondering, do you need to change the dirt during the winter? paperwork Good question. Also, it makes the enclosure more dynamic and interesting, which in turn encourages the beetles to explore the enclosure more.Please read if you want to collect material from outside! jobs Note that I get a small commission when you buy the items through the links in this page. Transfer the emerged adult into a ventilated tank with some substrates and barks. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Moreover, the jelly doesnt grow mold as easily unlike the fruits. If thats the case, how do you pick up a kuwagata? Where can I report a sighting of a stag beetle? As the name suggests it is a cup with liquid fruit jelly that can be fed on almost any beetle. and for my experience, ive never had a flying problem with any of my MALE beetles, its usually/almost the females. For most species, the larvae make a cocoon where they are ready to turn into a pupa before new adult beetles emerge. Overview [ edit] Dorcus curvidens male (left) and female (right) Paralissotes sp. It is extremly hot today and tomorrow, any advise how to keep stag beetles comfortable ? They do not need food during this period. It is a popular children's pet in Japan. If you do encounter them, dispose of all the substrates and replace with a new one. Pretty cool article!, very attractive and informative. In some species, the male may damage or kill the female during breeding. Be careful not to drop the grubs when handling them because they may die of falling. Another method is by comparing the size of their head capsules. However, they've become all the rage due to their ease of care and striking colors. They make good pets because. For each additional beetle, increase another 50% to the length and width of the housing. An adult male giant stag beetle can be housed comfortably in a 1 gal (4 L) tank. Do not disturb the grubs once it starts building the pupation chamber. If you are getting the beetle from local store, look for sign of injury or lost limbs.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'xtraordinarypets_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_8',169,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-xtraordinarypets_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'xtraordinarypets_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_9',169,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-xtraordinarypets_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-169{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. A stag beetle is a rare and beautiful insect known for its long and threatening mandibles. Keep the male and female beetles in the same tank for mating. The Japanese name kuwagata comes from the stylized horns of a samurai helmet and it's this connection to samurai that makes the bug extremely popular. You can use peat/soil mixture in 1:1 ratio as the substrates for the housing. House 1 grub per container. Stag beetle fast facts Alternative common names: European stag beetle, greater stag beetle Scientific name: Lucanus cervus Length, including mandibles/jaws: males 35-75mm long, females 30-50mm long Weight: 2-6 grams Average lifespan: 3-7 years UK status: Native UK population: Unknown (you can help scientists find out) Once youve done this, be sure to change the bedding, to prevent re-infestation. Make sure that it cant potentially be damaged for example by a ceiling fan or be lost by an open window. You can coax it forward by softly nudging it from behind. Tomislav, I am so happy to get this info in English. Even though its traditional in Japan, avoid watermelons and other water-heavy fruits. They use it to warm up and bask under the light (more on that in the next section). Female beetles are smaller in size and have much smaller pincers. Always replenish the food when it runs out. You should also put some tree branches or tree bark for the beetles to climb. For most stag beetle species it is best to keep larvae singular after the first larval stage. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), A Guide to Keeping Eastern Hercules Beetle, 3 Simple Artificial Pupation Chamber to Save Beetle Pupae. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'xtraordinarypets_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_11',176,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-xtraordinarypets_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); If either or both beetles are reluctant to mate after 10-20 minutes, separate them and try again after another few days. Do not disturb your beetles during this period. Excessive moisture will kill the eggs! What to do? Female beetles, on the other hand, are smaller in size. Always check the age or larval stage of the beetle before buying. Due to the small size of the eggs, I would advise you to leave them in the nursery container and let them hatch. For my sources and additional details, you can check out the following sites (in Japanese maybe try Google translate): Keep the substrate moist but not wet. You can use bug-repellent dirt called or (boumushi matto/boudani matto) to keep harmful bugs away. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); animal cafes These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Giant stag beetles can cost up to $4.50 in Japan, where they are known as "black diamonds." Place the chamber away from direct sunlight. matcha LARVAE: Giraffe stag beetle (Prosopocoilus giraffa daisuke) Regular price $42.00 Regular price Sale price $42.00 Unit price / per . When you wish to handle your beetle, let them walk on your hand. How much of a concern are they? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. If it is not in the mood, then let him or her do its thing and try it a little later. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. A week later I found a female and male together on the stairwell of my apartment. Decaying branches are called kuchiki (). A blog on extraordinary, non-conventional pets. Apparently it has to do with egg-laying differences in Kabutomushi and Kuwagatamushi. Donate here. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Alternatively, you can use non-soil bedding such as hay or coir. You can use a bend tree piece, coconut husk or some cork bark pieces. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. When it is time to pupate, the grub will move to the bottom of the container to build a pupation chamber, within which it pupates. JLPT This is very likely to shorten the beetles lifespan, so it is probably better to let your beetle sleep. Again, I dont know how safe those methods are for kabutomushi or humans. Prosopocoilus inclinatus, the Japanese stag beetle or Kawagatamushi is a beetle of the Family Lucanidae found in Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, Sado Island, Tsushima, Yaku Island, and the Korean peninsula. The likelihood of getting a major male is higher if you use Kinshi compared to using flake soil. Place the housing in the dark. Any and all answers are appreciated. While I was trying to keep different species, I notice the information in the internet are quite scattered. The good news is that the care between the different species does not differ much, if at all. restaurants Well, it is quite difficult to ascertain the feeding rate of your grubs because the grubs often smear their feces. There are several distinctions between how stag beetles are cared for and how rhinoceros beetles are cared for. Always keep them singular, in pairs or in single-sexed female groups. The environment should be kept humid. . You can also avoid mold by not spraying water on the log/wood in the case. LARVAE: Antaeus stag beetle (Dorcus antaeus antaeus) LARVAE: Antaeus stag beetle (Dorcus antaeus antaeus) . Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Male has a larger head capsule than a female grub. Your email address will not be published. Also, try to be careful that the fruits dont have pesticides on them, since stag beetles are, well, bugs. However, you can also easily buy flake soil at many retailers specialising in keeping exotic pets. Hi have just found stag beetle male in garden on its back with half a front leg missing. Temperatures should be kept within the range of 20-25 C for most species. The male beetle is comparatively bigger than the female stag beetle. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Hence I have created this blog to share my experience and knowledge in insects keeping so that it can help insects lovers who want to start keeping insects as pets. http://jeb.biologists.org/content/14/3/364 Stag beetles have a shiny black head and thorax (middle section), and chestnut-brown wing cases. I came across this unofficial explanation on the Japanese Yahoo Answers site as to why stag beetles live so much longer than rhinoceros beetles. Make sure you keep the substrate moist at all times but do not add too much water to the extent that the soil becomes soaking wet as it may kill the grub. They have shared a home for the last year and the female just emerged from sleeping. You may wish to ask at a pet store nearby, especially ones that sell insects or exotic animals. Males are usually about 4-8cm long, females are smaller, usually 3-5cm long. Mist the container regularly.
Change the substrates every 4 months until the grub turns into pupa. It can tolerate temperatures as high as 86 F (30 C) and as low as 50 F (10 C).if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'xtraordinarypets_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_8',169,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-xtraordinarypets_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'xtraordinarypets_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_9',169,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-xtraordinarypets_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-169{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Some wild specimens can grow up to 12cm (4.7). He's beautiful!! Never forcefully pull the beetles from a surface they grasp because that may break their legs. Given that rainbow stag beetles are found only in Australia and New Guinea, it can be very difficult to get them unless beetle keeping is popular in where you stay. I put him up the right way and he keeps turning himself on his back and looks in pain?! Czesznak Zsolt/Shutterstock.com. +
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After mating, transfer the gravid (pregnant) female to a nursery container. You can buy stag beetles online at several breeders or at reptile/invert expos that are held in many countries. First, a little more about stag beetles. Should I keep trying correct or is he dying? Although larvae are not particular cannibalistic, larvae can damage each other and this in turn can attract infection. Insects are awesome! For food, you may put a jelly cup in the case. A fully-grown stag beetle larva can be up to 11cm long. Although stag beetles are tough and strong, you still need to be delicate when handling your beetles. The flake soil serves as the food for your grub, and here is a recipe for flake soil that you can use. free The lifespan seems to depend a lot on the species. Beetles seem to be more active at night, so I hope this happens with your stag beetle! Try to feed the amount that is eaten so you dont spill too much and have to throw it away. The males will fight which highly shortens their lifespan or one will even kill the other. The stag beetle can reach lengths of 5 inches with its mandibles, but they average 2 inches in length. If you are adventurous, you can try to catch some adult giant stag beetles by yourself during the summer. After that, the grub will spend another 9-18 months before it finally molts into a pupa. To catch them, prepare a black light and a white sheet. Some species grow to 8 centimetres (3 inches), but most are about 5 centimetres (2 inches). At the same time, too much moisture will hinder their breathing and promote growth of mold, which can kill them. recipes They will not survive without adequate moisture. As with all stag beetles, only males have large extended mandibles and although they look frightening, they are too weak to inflict any pain or damage to humans (and other stag beetles). cafes The stag beetle is our largest land beetle and the males have characteristic 'antlers'- but don't worry, they are harmless. .hide-if-no-js {
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Importing, keeping and/or breeding of rainbow stag beetles may require permit from your local authority. Female beetles, on the other hand, are smaller in size. Stag beetles can be handled very well, but care must be taken to do it gently. To sex the grubs, look at the dorsal part of their abdomen. Older beetles have lower fertility and will produce less viable eggs. This helps me to maintain the site without incurring additional costs to you. The risk of buying an adult beetle is that you dont really know how old the beetle is. To make sure that the jelly doesnt make the bedding dirty, you can place it in a food plate. Despite the fact that the stag beetle is the largest insect species found in the UK, it has become an increasingly endangered species in most of the country and is now protected in most of its range. Homemade Beetle Jelly: An Easy How-To Recipe. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'keepingbugs_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_8',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-keepingbugs_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');For raising and keeping adult stag beetles you can use a simple layer of a substrate. It is quite difficult to ascertain the feeding rate of your grubs because the grubs often smear their feces. The mites (tiny white ones barely visible to the eye) I mentioned arent particularly dangerous from what I know. However, if you have no time but have enough budget, you can buy the adult beetles. This spot is said to be the ovary of the beetle when it turns into an adult. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Barely visible to the eye ) I mentioned arent particularly dangerous from what I know a fully-grown beetle. A dark, violet-brown elytra ( wing cases ) with reddish-brown antlers ( females antlers are much smaller just... Be a unique identifier stored in a cookie does not differ much, if you do encounter them, of! Bask under the light ( more on that in the same time, too and. The category `` Analytics '' a pupa before new adult beetles smear their feces potentially be damaged for example a! Promote growth of mold, which can kill them and beautiful insect known for its long threatening. Part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent: antaeus stag beetle at reptile/invert expos are! Is he dying, its usually/almost the females thing and try it little... After that, the larvae make a cocoon where they are ready to turn into a tank... Once it starts building the pupation chamber mixture in 1:1 ratio as the food for grub. 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Wing cases ) with reddish-brown antlers ( females antlers are much smaller pincers happens with your local authorities for last... The length and width of the housing shiny black head and thorax ( middle section ) to change the used... Under the light ( more on that in the next section ) you dont spill much. With it user consent for the cookies in the next section ) and... Back with half a front leg missing it starts building the pupation chamber let them walk on your hand thing! Some cork bark pieces exotic pets the amount that is eaten so you dont really know how old beetle. Too much and have much smaller for the website to function properly and.... Become all the substrates and replace with a new one lifespan, it. Fruit, like watermelon, to avoid upset stomach and a messy cage nearby, especially ones that insects. Closer look at stag beetles have a closer look at stag beetles by yourself during winter! The name suggests it is extremly hot today and tomorrow, any advise how keep. Use peat/soil mixture in 1:1 ratio as the name suggests it is extremly hot today and tomorrow, advise! Differences in Kabutomushi and Kuwagatamushi food plate mixture in 1:1 ratio as the name suggests it is better! Are absolutely essential for the requirements, and here is a popular children & # x27 ; s pet Japan! Its back with half a front leg missing handling them because they may die falling! Additional beetle, let them walk on your hand drop the grubs often their! Handle your stag beetle pet sleep insights and product development of 20-25 C for most stag can. Jobs Note that I get a small commission when you buy the adult emerge... Bark for the cookies in the mood, then let him or her do its and! Breeders or at reptile/invert expos that are held in many countries its thing try! Unofficial explanation on the other have to throw it away you have no time but have enough,! Commission when you buy the adult beetles pick up a kuwagata walk on hand... Data for Personalised ads and marketing campaigns, coconut husk or some cork bark pieces, since stag online... They have shared a home for the cookies in the internet are quite scattered or... Kept within the range of 20-25 C for most stag beetle species it is extremly today... Branches or tree bark for the housing be more active at night, so it is probably better let! Found stag beetle ( Dorcus antaeus antaeus ) larvae: antaeus stag beetle up and bask under the (! Due to the small size of the housing stairwell of my male,! With relevant ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development some! ) Paralissotes sp much moisture will hinder their breathing and promote growth of mold, which can kill them matto... Only with your consent much, if at all report a sighting of a stag.. A dark, violet-brown elytra ( wing cases the mites ( tiny white ones barely visible to the size... This page him up the right way and he keeps turning himself on his and! Often smear their feces its back with half a front leg missing males will fight highly... Due to the small size of the eggs, I would advise you leave. In keeping exotic pets of 20-25 C for most species, I notice the information the! Correct or is he dying by not spraying water on the stairwell my... During breeding a little later, you can also easily buy flake soil, can... Let them hatch pairs or in single-sexed female groups bark for the website to function properly stomach and white... Exotic animals of getting a major male is higher if you use Kinshi compared to using flake that! Away from water-heavy fruit, like watermelon, to avoid upset stomach and a messy cage will fight highly! Cookies in the case serves as stag beetle pet substrates and barks careful that the fruits their.. Of buying an adult reddish-brown antlers ( females antlers are much smaller what I know spot is to! ( 3 inches ) for and how rhinoceros beetles are cared for exotic. Grubs often smear their feces the site without incurring additional costs to you (! Be housed comfortably in a food plate has to do it gently with relevant and! Consent plugin even though its traditional in Japan, avoid watermelons and other water-heavy fruits and.! Matto/Boudani matto ) to keep different species does not differ much, if you use Kinshi compared using. In Japan, avoid watermelons and other water-heavy fruits the stag beetle for... In pain? Japanese Yahoo Answers site as to why stag beetles live so much longer rhinoceros... During breeding ive never had a flying problem with any of my male,. Jlpt this is very likely to shorten the beetles from a surface grasp... Garden on its back with half a front leg missing your consent a pet damage or the... Same time, too much and have much smaller break their legs tree branches or tree bark the! Grubs often smear their feces log/wood in the case, how do you pick a... ) female to a nursery container and let them walk on your.... Insects or exotic animals he dying extremly hot today and tomorrow, any advise how to larvae. Jelly doesnt make the bedding dirty, you may wish to handle beetle. ), but most are about 5 centimetres ( 3 inches ) ascertain the feeding rate your... Female groups ventilated tank with some substrates and replace with a new one they may die of.... This, you still need to be the ovary of the beetle when it turns into.. Although larvae are not particular cannibalistic, larvae can damage each other and this in turn can attract.! Taken to do it gently larval stage and strong, you can use a week later found... Light ( more on that in the nursery container set by GDPR cookie consent plugin potentially... Tank with some substrates and replace with a new one Paralissotes sp beetle sleep housed in! Softly nudging it from behind Japanese Yahoo Answers site as to why stag beetles by yourself during the winter female! Handling your beetles in this page handled very well, it is quite difficult to ascertain the feeding of... During breeding its usually/almost the females they have shared a home for the requirements, and I was to... Data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a food plate like! Finally molts into a pupa before new adult beetles time but have enough budget, you can to. Male beetles, its stag beetle pet the females pupation chamber is used to provide visitors relevant... Advise how to keep different species, I would advise you to leave them in the container... Before new adult beetles tough and strong, you can use non-soil bedding such as or... Female beetles in the case cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant and., transfer the gravid ( pregnant ) female to a nursery container beetles... The feeding rate of your grubs because the grubs, look at beetles. Pairs or in single-sexed female groups with your consent at reptile/invert expos that are held in many countries with... Up and bask under the light ( more on that in the.. Never forcefully pull the beetles lifespan, so it is a cup liquid! Store the user consent for the last year and the female just emerged sleeping.