RexaDynastes3516

Here’s the beautiful Luna I ended up with, so glad the increased humidity helped her out!

I found out the issue was humidity, I live in a VERY dry region, and with the help of a humidifier my last Luna emerged perfectly. Thank you for the suggestions though!

I’ve kept all the beetles I have ever owned in my room, so I don’t see why you couldn’t. If you don’t mind waking up every once and awhile to flight noises at 3 am, go for it.

I’m not sure if anyone here has butterfly/moth knowledge, but I thought I’d give it a shot. My lunas are finally starting to emerge after all of those weeks of care, although I’ve noticed that all of them so far have emerged with some form of wing deformation. The first to emerge came out with his wings completely crumpled, the second seemed mostly fine, and the third has curled tails. Did I do something wrong in raising them? Or was this outcome out of my control? Some details of their upbringing: They refused the first host plant I provided, so hatchlings went a day without food. One died shortly after feeding for the first time due to unknown reasons. It suddenly stopped eating, started getting lethargic, and eventually died after its backside turned black. While the group was in its 3rd instar, one contracted what I thought to be NPV, and died shortly after. Removed it ASAP so that the rest might be spared from the virus. No more infections after the first. In their 5th instar, two caterpillars got in a scuffle (which resulted in visible scarring and vomit on both cats). Both survived, though I am wondering if those were the two crumpled males. I live in a very dry area, though I’m not sure if this will affect them. They’ve been raised completely indoors. If anyone might know why this happened, or know somewhere that I ask this same question with better chances of an answer, I’d greatly appreciate a point in the right direction! I’ve never raised Actias luna before, this is my first time. I’d love to know more for next time^^

My D Grantii larvae do this occasionally, and they've been perfectly okay. Not sure why grubs like to wander above the soil, but it definitely doesn’t always mean there is something wrong.

Just a bit ago I removed a pinacate beetle from the freezer, which I intended to preserve after it had died of natural causes, and discovered it had released it’s stench! Or, not exactly stench, but a strange musty scent. It’s hard to describe, but it is similar to that of the smell mealworm beetles release when bothered. I was wondering if there was a way to preserve pinacates without triggering the smell. Also, I’m curious to know how they smell to those who have been sprayed. Wondering if the smell is different from person to person, because to me it doesn’t ‘stink’.

Took some photos of a lovely herc I got last summer, and never got around to posting them! These are two of my best shots😁

Sweet, thanks! And yes, I did try and sex it via abdomen spot and it seems to be female. Good to know that head size is also an indicator!

I’ve recently noticed that one of my Dynastes Granti larvae has a considerably small head, in comparison to my other L3’s. Anyone know why this is? And what causes head size differences? For reference, the smaller-headed larvae emerged approx. 2-3 weeks earlier than the others.

If it's within the states it's not likely to be caught, however if you are trying to receive the package from overseas there's a high possibility you'll get a knock on your door from some federal agents. I would not risk it unless you have a permit specifically for importing that species. Try finding a seller within the states, it's much safer that way!

Haven't had much luck with finding any sort of large beetles on the trips I've taken to the coast, as there aren't many interesting beetle species in California to begin with. Although you might be able to find some various June beetles(and maybe some fig beetles if you are lucky!) during the summer months! I know there are also a good lot of darkling beetles here but they tend to live closer to the desert.

Gorgeous larvae!! Very helpful for identification

Heya! Just another beetle fan from the sunny state of Cali! I currently own some death feigning beetles, and hopefully (crossing my fingers!) some hercules beetles! I definitely have a soft spot for scarabs, as those are my favorite beetles overall, but I also love stags and darklings. If anyone knows of any breeders that are in the US/will ship to Cali, please let me know! I’m always looking for new buggies :D