Anyone keeping L. elaphus?

Lucanus

Lucanus

Lucanus
My minor L. elaphus males started to become active yesterday. I think this is too early for them to be active so I was wondering if this is happening to others.

 
Lucanus said:
Yes I did, but the ones I kept 3 years ago were active around April.
Click to expand...
I've reared quite a few Lucanus elaphus in the past and they nearly always come out of hibernation early when kept too warm. The exact time they come out depends on average temperatures, disturbances, and to a lesser extent the individual.

 
So... I have mine in the upper 60s to lower 70s. I rarely EVER disturb them... so what time do you think they should be ready? I caught most of them in Fall 2011. some in early Summer 2011 (they were SMALL then... and they are HUGE now).

Most of the larvae have been 3rd instar since God knows when.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hey Ryan,

If they have been fed well and kept at around "room temperature" it shouldn't be too much longer. Depending on the container you should be able to see when they make their cells.

Steven

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top