Cannibalism in Lucanus?

M

MAcoleo

L2
Hello,

When my L. elaphus were L1 and L2, I'd notice that sometimes larvae would just disappear when kept together, and it was almost always the smallest ones. I have never noticed cannibalism with Dynastes tityus or granti. Anyone can corroborate this?

Thanks!

 
From Mcmonigle's Ult Guide: Lucanus grubs cannibalize or bite each other when resources are in short supply

 
Hi, I remember reading that. Mine were cannibalizing each other even when resources were not in short supply, so I had to separate them.

 
How large were the containers? And what kind of substrate was it? I have almost 100 grubs in a 16(?) gallon tub and have had only a few deaths or injuries, and the grubs are mostly L3. The substrate is 100% rotten oak, with some wood chunks buried in it.

 
MAcoleo said:
Hi, I remember reading that. Mine were cannibalizing each other even when resources were not in short supply, so I had to separate them.
Click to expand...
McMonigle recommends separating all elaphus L3s, because they are "easily overcrowded", which possibly suggests that lack of space may be problematic even with plenty of food.

 
I put 3 LEs (L3) in each half gallon jars. Never had any problems.

LE larvae is very weak in early stages, its normal for a few of them to die/disappear even kept separately.

 
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