Beet&Stag Buster Posted April 19, 2015 Report Share Posted April 19, 2015 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beetle-Experience Posted April 19, 2015 Report Share Posted April 19, 2015 Welcome to the forum and the hobby ! You would probably like these if you haven't heard of them yet: The Complete Guide to Rearing the Elephant Stag Beetle: http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Rearing-Elephant-Beetle/dp/0971912963 The Complete Guide to Rearing the Eastern Hercules Beetle: http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Rearing-Eastern-Hercules-Beetle/dp/0980240107 Steven Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hisserdude Posted April 19, 2015 Report Share Posted April 19, 2015 Welcome! I would suggest getting The ultimate guide to breeding beetles, it is basically those two books combined, along with info on dung beetles, flower scarabs, darkling beetles, etc. Inbreeding is a subject which has not been studied too thoroughly, some people say its ok, some people day its not. Honestly, I think that its ok, I have been breeding darkling beetle siblings together, and have yet to see any problems. Beetles are much less demanding than other pets, and besides feeding, making and replacing substrate, there is not much else they need. However, extra care must be taken when breeding, such as removing eggs/larva from the breeding cage and moving them to their own containers, etc. Hope this helps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stagtacus Posted April 20, 2015 Report Share Posted April 20, 2015 Hello and welcome for the both of us, feels good to be back my self. As you can see we have members here that explain things really well, not to mention knowledgeble, with one exception of course, honestly it's not me. Care to trade for some Texas ants... Sorry i have to try Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beet&Stag Buster Posted April 20, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2015 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stagtacus Posted April 21, 2015 Report Share Posted April 21, 2015 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. AWESOME ! i too do not have any experience with this Genus of ant. i am trying to use an Unconventional method to collect them, i call it ( GZN negative ) yes i am DR what ever, i am joking, that's a scene from MAN IN BLACK AND YES SHE IS H>O>T. OR i should just give you the Latin name Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beet&Stag Buster Posted April 21, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 21, 2015 Latin name would be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stagtacus Posted April 23, 2015 Report Share Posted April 23, 2015 According to wiki Nomamyrmex esenbeckii is the only species in USA, looking for Pachycondyla sp as well. If you can collect a small colony including the queen that would be great. Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beet&Stag Buster Posted April 24, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 24, 2015 Pachycondyla are in my area, Nomamyrmex esenbeckii isn't. I'll see what I can find this weekend. Let's continue this over PM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayden1611 Posted April 27, 2015 Report Share Posted April 27, 2015 nice were are you from in texas? we could meet up and collect together, i have many species aside from lucanus elaphus, heres a few! allomyrina dichotoma dorcus cervidens babai chalcosoma caucasus odontolabis ludekingi! shoot me a message! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayden1611 Posted April 27, 2015 Report Share Posted April 27, 2015 and breeding sibblings is fine exept it'll be bother and sister everytime, very rarly will the adults live long enough to meet thier children as adults Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beet&Stag Buster Posted April 30, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 30, 2015 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayden1611 Posted May 1, 2015 Report Share Posted May 1, 2015 dallas, we should meet up some time with another buddy of mine look for m.vogti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratmosphere Posted May 1, 2015 Report Share Posted May 1, 2015 Don't inbreed them, try to steer away from that. Its more professional. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck4th Posted May 8, 2015 Report Share Posted May 8, 2015 Hey! I'm in South Padre Island, but will be in Hill Country next month. Maybe we can all meet up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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