Rainbow Stag Beetle , scientifically known as Phalacrognathus muelleri , have become a favorite among insect enthusiasts . From their vibrant coming into court to their unique behaviors and intricate care requirements , this pathfinder delves into every aspect of caring for these remarkable creatures .
Whether you ’re a veteran beetle enthusiast or a curious founder , link up us as we explore the intricacies of Rainbow Stag Beetle care and expose the secrets to foster a thriving mallet habitat .
About the Rainbow Stag Beetle
The rainbow beetle , whose scientific name is Phalacrognathus muelleri , is a species of beetle belonging to the Scarabaeidae sept . This mintage of mallet is specifically classified as a stag mallet . aboriginal to Australia and New Guinea , these glorious creature exhibit a vivacious color pallette , commit them their illustrious name .
With a modest size of 2.8 column inch ( 7 curium ) , the Rainbow Stag Beetle has an average lifespan of 12–18 months . Despite their relatively short life , these beetle offer a great opportunity for beginner - level enthusiast to delve deeper into the earth of mallet care and observation .
In their born habitats of Queensland , Australia , and New Guinea , rainbow beetles favor to survive in the deepness of logs , bark , and rotting soil . Their smart as a whip coloring material not only make them a sight to lay eyes on but also serve as an effective means of identification , especially when they take to the melodic phrase . commentator will be treated to the spectacle of their brilliant colors as they move effortlessly across the sky .
feed on a varied diet of rotting wood , tree diagram sap , ambrosia , and fruit , rainbow beetles have no problem finding food in their habitat . However , their bright and attractive appearance becomes a twice - adjoin sword when it come to survival . While it help observe them while they are flying , it also makes them vulnerable to predators likebirds .
Identifying characteristics of the Rainbow Stag Beetle
Adults
The size of Rainbow Stag Beetles change with sexual dimorphism . The dimensions of males and female person are 24 – 70 mm ( 0.94 – 2.76 column inch ) and 23 – 46 millimeter ( 0.91 – 1.81 inches ) , respectively . Their bodies are mostly blue , crimson , or greenish , with an alluring metallic sheen , particularly on the back . Their unvarying pitch-dark legs and mandible wait on as a striking contrast .
One of their unique merchandising points is their obvious intimate dimorphism in term of physical attributes . In dividing line to their distaff counterparts , male Rainbow Stag Beetles have longer , more curled mandibles and transmitting aerial .
Larvae
There are three stage in the larval stage . The larvae display a snowy , segmented body with an orange face patch when they strain their final degree . They usually live in moist , decay wood , especially next to ashen - rot fungi . From larvae to adults , the maturation process takes about three years .
Pupa
After a year in the larval stage , Rainbow StagBeetlestransition into the pupal phase , which is mostly contained in chambers or cells . When they first emerge as adult , their wings are still soft and whitened ; these colors step by step grow over the course of a calendar week .
Eggs
In moulder wood , females repository about fifty testis , which incubate after a week . The bollock acquire large over time , eventually exposing the developing larva inside .
How much does the Rainbow Stag Beetle cost?
Acquiring Rainbow Stag Beetles in the US comes with a unparalleled set of regulations , require a exceptional permit . therefore , prices surge , with adults locally costing around $ 200 . In contrast , the spherical grocery store offer these captivating beetles at a more affordable rate of approximately $ 40 , with a slight increase to $ 50 for the rare purple specimen .
How does the Rainbow Stag Beetle behave?
Known for drop the majority of their life underground , Rainbow Stag Beetles prove to be peaceable and harmless , making them an ideal alternative for children concerned in research the world of mallet .
male , however , exhibit territorial demeanor and are prone to aggressiveness . Keeping them together can lead to fights , especially over the chance to reproduce and claim territory . To avoid accidental injury , it ’s advisable to put up male separately .
Females , on the other hand , can coexist , and introducing a male for breeding aim is feasible . precaution is necessary , though , as leaving the male with the females for an protracted geological period may result in the male ’s enervation or demise .
Handling Rainbow Stag Beetles is in general easy and safe for humans , but the frangibility of RSB grubs requires careful handling to prevent inadvertent cliff . While adult can vaporize , reducing the jeopardy of fall , circumspection is still essential , especially when do by them near social system that could put a menace during flying , such as cap fans .
Rainbow Stag Beetle Care
Temperature and Humidity
The born habitat of the Rainbow Stag Beetle encompasses sclerophyll forests and rainforests , environment qualify by elevated humidity and mid - to - high-pitched temperatures . Abundant tall Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and lavish botany create an ideal setting for these captivatinginsects .
For adult Rainbow Stag Beetles , optimal atmospheric condition range between 65 ° F to 75 ° F , ensuring their well - being and vitality . In direct contrast , the chuck , at their larval stage , thrive in more or less warmer temperature , ranging from 72 ° F to 77 ° F . To replicate their native home ground , it is essential to uphold high-pitched humidity grade , aiming to keep it systematically above 70 % . This commitment to worthy temperature and humidness levels is pivotal in render a habitat conducive to the health and contentment of Rainbow Stag Beetles in captivity .
Substrate
The substrate needs for grownup Rainbow Stag Beetles differ importantly from those of the larva . adult thrive in a wet - retain substrate that provides a subdued texture for burrowing . Mixtures incorporate coconut fiber turn out extremely effective in meeting their habitat requirement .
On the other hand , grubs have trenchant needs , requiring a substratum that serves as both their dwelling and a food source . cater moist snowflake land or kinshi is essential for their well - being .
It ’s noteworthy that kinshi , in particular , is considered beneficial for the length of service of male beetle . If within budget , prefer for kinshi can lead to extending the lifetime of male person Rainbow Stag Beetles . For optimal burrowing comfortableness , a substrate depth of around three inch is recommended , ensuring a conducive surroundings for their natural behaviors .
Tank
During their ontogenesis stages , Rainbow Stag Beetle eats do n’t necessitate expansive tanks . Since they preponderantly dwell underground , secure containers with plentiful substratum suffice , ranging from one to two gallon in intensity .
For grownup beetles housed individually , a tank car measuring three sentence their duration , twice their breadth , and twice their height is suitable . However , to enhance their well - being , allow more place is advisable . view a lower limit of five gallons if admit multiple adults in the same enclosure .
Incorporating concealment stain is crucial for their contentment . Introducesmall plants , branch , and bark to make an environment that caters to their instinctive inclination to look for tax shelter .
For breeding purposes , let in a part of access the inclosure , allowing the female person to bury her eggs . This addition affirm the reproductive motivation of Rainbow Stag Beetles and contributes to the overall diverseness and elan vital of the tank .
Watering
Rainbow Stag Beetles do not necessitate water looker or undefendable soundbox of body of water within their enclosure . Their hydration motive are fulfilled through their food and the ambient humidness of the substrate . on a regular basis mist the substrate to maintain adequate moisture level .
utilization caution not to overwater the substratum , preventing the accumulation of water at the storage tank ’s bottom . By striking a correspondence in substratum moisture , you ensure a desirable surroundings for the beetle without compromise their well - being . Monitoring and adjusting the mist oftenness will contribute to creating an optimum habitat for Rainbow Stag Beetles .
Diet & Feeding
Feeding Rainbow Stag mallet grubs is a straightforward process , as they thrive on the appropriate substratum .
Adults , on the other helping hand , enjoy a diet enriched with angelical fruits like banana , apples , and grapes . It is crucial to remove any remnants promptly to forbid ferment , which could lead to fungal return in the enclosure .
prefer for a food plate with mallet jelly proves to be the idealistic choice for grownup Rainbow Stag Beetles . These jellies are specially formulate to leave the necessary nutrients . For those on a budget , homemade recipe are promptly uncommitted online , offering a toll - effective alternative to store - bought options . Ensuring a well - balanced and alimentary diet contributes to the overall wellness and verve of Rainbow Stag Beetles in captivity .
Conclusion
We have cover every aspect of caring for Rainbow Stag Beetles in this military post , including the best habitat and feeding pattern . With any luck , this fiddling information will enable you to become more skillful at taking care of this amazinginsect .
