Recent content by JKim

Not a success breeding story, but I collected a large number of Megalodacne fasciata from polypore mushrooms growing on oak trees, including specimens at various life stages, from larvae to adults. I attempted to breed the adults in captivity but was unsuccessful. However, I was able to raise...

First thing first, find out whether and what species are even available locally, unless you are willing to travel. Then also find out whether the species is protected in your location. Some Dynastine scarab beetles are protected in one state, while not in other states.

They only live couple months, probably natural death possibly with overstress. When insects move actively, they usually die sooner.

Nymph of stink bug species, Chinavia hilaris (Say 1832) Refer here

1. Yes, AC is required as well as heater is required if you live in cold region. 2. What do you keep your beetles on? If beetle substrate (flake soil), then moisturize the substrate should last couple days to weeks, months even if you don't constantly spray daily basis (of course, there should...

Try it! Placing a layer of sand on top may work to deter fungus gnats to lay anymore of eggs, but their maggots already inside the substrate cannot be exterminated with sand, of course. Your idea does work preventing any fresh eggs. stag beetle larva has no problem with sand. Don't worry about...

Sorry for the delayed response! I somehow missed the notification for your reply. As for my experience with Pit Boss, honestly, I don't remember the details well enough to give you a very accurate comparison. I also never really approached beetle keeping with the goal of producing the largest...

The term “deteriorated substrate” I used is closer to meaning “rotten” than “fermented.” I just wasn’t sure how to express it properly, so I used the wrong term. Sorry for your confusion. You can think of it simply as the substrate having gone rotten. This can often happen when coarse substrate...

The substrate in the picture seems rather deteriorated. Smell and see if it smells like normal. Might be bad idea to use it as is. Dry it completely, and try ferment it again. Normally, leaving it outside for months to year(s) is okay before the fermentation, and it actually degrades the raw...

Any beetles found in yard (away from their natural habitat) probably has started to feed already. What beetle jelly are you feeding? The beetle may have been feeding on the jelly, it's just a very small amount you may not have noticed.

Diagram can be found HERE. I must have deleted accidentally:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO: before posting, but I actually intended to write: "By the way, your first picture is between prothorax and mesothorax (not a common term used), not abdomen." I'm glad to see someone in the forum posting thread from...

Yes, it will usually go back to normal. This is commonly seen in dung beetles and other beetle species attracted to animal feces. During summer collecting, high temperatures can cause the specimens to start decomposing very quickly, which makes them appear bloated like a balloon. Even if you...

Steven is active on FB. Try contact him through there: https://www.facebook.com/stevenbarney01

Any type of soil (with proper humidity) works just fine. Plain sand works fine too.

This is a male, and all scarab beetles suck at flying, so your observation is not wrong. You can use any kind of soil including the coconut coir alone, or some sand mixed topsoil. Just grab the soil and see if you can feel moist. That is all he needs. These beetles feed on live plants. Find host...