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Post by Rev. Redmond Farrier on May 21, 2012 20:07:51 GMT -8
I caught my first live specimen of D. tityus when I stopped at a gas station on the way home tonight. I plan on getting another aquarium tomorrow to keep him in, but I don't know what to put in there with him. I hope he survives long enough for me to find a female to put in with him for a chance to breed them.
What sort of enviroment should I create to make him comfortable? How much, if any, soil on the bottom, does he need rotting wood, or just some branches or rocks to climb on? I remember reading that bananas were good for attracting them, so would that be sufficient for food?
I only have experience raising dermestids and mealworms, with limited success, so I am not sure what to do with this little guy.
Thank you for any info you can provide.
Rev. R. Farrier
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Post by jackblack on May 22, 2012 0:08:17 GMT -8
Hi Rev,
Although I`m not familiar with your species of Dynastid over there .
I`d put him in a tank with at least 10cm of damp humus on the bottom.
Place a small bowl in there and add some sweet fruit , banana , black grapes or similar.
Run the humus at least through the freezer to kill off any other harmfull insect and defrost .
Then add a couple females and I`m sure he will be more than happy.
Spray occasionally with water and a hand mister.
Good luck.
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Post by Rev. Redmond Farrier on May 22, 2012 13:30:12 GMT -8
I pulled him out to measure him and decided to snap a quick photo. He is a tiny little guy at only 4cm. He is on my index finger in the image (and still is, interfering with my typing) eating a smudge of grape jelly off my fingertip. Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on May 22, 2012 19:40:05 GMT -8
Congrats on your first. No matter the size, that first one is always special  I remember my first live one years ago in TN. I couldn't hold that guy enough. I have since seen/caught many and even reared them. My good friend Beetlehorn helped me dive into these guys bigtime. My first one lived for several months and is prominately part of my D. tityus drawer even though he is also a smaller one. Rearing them is a treat if you manage to get some females. Handling these guys is indeed fun. |
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Post by Rev. Redmond Farrier on May 22, 2012 21:57:02 GMT -8
Thanks for the tips jackblack. He is now in a 10 gallon aquarium on a deep bed of humus munching away on a bit of overripe banana.
Yes Bill, this little guy is definitely something special to me. I had only seen 3 before in my life, all dead, one crushed. I had no idea that they came this small. lol (or that they hissed) I really hope that he lasts long enough for me to find a female to put in with him.
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Post by mantisboy on May 23, 2012 13:06:34 GMT -8
This is a picture of my Hercules Beetle that I've had for about 8 months now. The only thing that I'd like to add is that it feeds on almost any kind of fruit, but most people agree that it doesn't like citris fruits. I personally have fed mine mostly mushy, somewhat rotten cantolope and bananas, with the occasional piece of mango. Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on May 23, 2012 16:19:00 GMT -8
Wow---8 mos. is remarkable....good job  |
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ckswank
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Country: USA
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Post by ckswank on May 23, 2012 18:31:17 GMT -8
Good find, Rev. These are indeed one of my favorites as well. May try to rear some this summer if all goes well.
Charlie
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Post by 58chevy on May 24, 2012 16:01:45 GMT -8
You could contact Steven Barney of beetle-experience.com for tips on raising D. tityus. He also has a new book on raising dung beetles.
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I remember my first live one years ago in TN. I couldn't hold that guy enough. I have since seen/caught many and even reared them. My good friend Beetlehorn helped me dive into these guys bigtime. My first one lived for several months and is prominately part of my D. tityus drawer even though he is also a smaller one. Rearing them is a treat if you manage to get some females. Handling these guys is indeed fun.
