Beet&Stag Buster

Stag beetles. Mostly Lucanus species.

What species of mushrooms are most ideal for beetles? I've heard shiitake and turkey tail are alright.

No more then $50. For me, I can't justify that kind of price tag. I would much rather buy larvae for a fraction of the cost. Ratmosphere, how much would you pay for a pair?

Can firewood be used to make substrate? Any manufacturers that are additive-free?

Although I agree that in some cases, US insect laws may be ridiculous, often they're spot on. In the aquarium hobby, there's a saying: "never release fish". If you don't want them, give them to a pet shop, or worst case scenario, destroy them. This is done to prevent the introduction of invasive species into the wild. In a hobby like this, I would argue people need to be a magnitude more careful with insects, considering the amount of damage they already cause. Be responsible with your insects!

One would be wise to treat the wood before shipping for this very reason!

Dallas, but I frequently travel around the state, so San Antonio is no problem. Shipping in state is also super cheap depending on the service.

North Texas. Hoping to find interesting species both cracking logs and catching bugs.

I would like to go exploring one of these days into some of the forests in the area to find beetles. The species I'm mainly on the lookout for are Lucanini and Dynastini. What other types of larva are found in rotting logs in the US?

Where did you get that?

Pachycondyla are in my area, Nomamyrmex esenbeckii isn't. I'll see what I can find this weekend. Let's continue this over PM.

I did some Googling. So the question is, is Dynastes tityus in Wilbarger county? Let's take a look at it's Texas range: Looks like you're very close. I don't know what kind of trees D. tityus likes, but be sure there are plenty of those wherever you are searching.

Latin name would be appreciated.

Thank you for your warm welcome and advice everyone, I'll check out those books. As far as Texas ants go, I don't have any experience with them. That's doesn't mean I can't collect and identify them, you'll just have to tell me what species you're looking for, and if you just want some workers or also a queen and males.

Hi guys. I'm a nature person, with a passion for aquariums, although I've always been fascinated by "those giant Japanese beetles". After a bit of research, I've decided to pursue American species of the Tribes Lucanini and Dynastini, starting off with L. elaphus. I will probably purchase them online, as they're really only available in the most northeastern corner of Texas, Texarkana. I'm still very much learning, so I don't think I'm ready yet. I have some questions: Are there any sites that have comprehensive care for Lucanus species? What species of fungus have you used successfully for fermenting wood dust? Is inbreeding insects (mother-sister matings) acceptable? My understanding is that beetles don't require a considerable amount of care, bar feeding and changing the substrate when necessary. Is this correct? I'll probably think of some more, but in the meantime, thank you.