Allomyrina dichotoma pupal cell enclosure

[DynastinaeLucanidae]

I currently keep my L3 larvae in tubberwares that offer good amount of horizontal space but not vertical space. The height is approximately 12-13cm. I know this species tends to construct vertical pupal cells, thus requires deep substrate and may not pupate if the substrate is not deep enough. For those who have reared this species, what was the height of the enclosures used?

 

[Pewrune]

I did 20 cm.

you probably need less if you have a brick or something pressing down on the substrate.

 

[DynastinaeLucanidae]

Was your enclosure wide or narrow? I've read that some people use narrow and deep enclosure while some use wide and deep enclosure.

 

[Kevinswither]

I kept mines in a 64 ounce container for two fully grown larvae.

 

[Pewrune]

I always try to put them in big containers...if I have enough substrate.

Back in 1995, I traded a few beetles for some DHL larvae. these larvae grew pretty big, but they all ended up with short horns and their bodies were much larger then the ones on the book. A friend told me that this may be caused by insufficient space.