Expected earnings for invert sellers

Since larvae dont need the moisture, and the maculata rearing attempt was done in an open plastic bag, I imagine that a well-ventilated aquarium with screen lid would be enough for larvae. The lid is to prevent adults from flying off.

Since McMonigle,s Ult. Guide states that fungus darklings need low ventilation and high humidity (this is certainly false for maculata larvae, but maybe not adults), give the adults a choice between their dry fungus, some damp hiding areas in the aquarium, and some dry hiding areas. This way they can self-regulate humidity, and if the fungus is far away from the damp areas it will probably stay dry and not moldy. It seems that ventilation is unimportant as long as humidity is present; my Diaperis rufipes? were semi-diurnal and could be seen walking around in the open at day and night. They seemed to be primarily nocturnal, however.

Good luck on finding a colony!
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Ladybug darkling is a very good English name, if you ever need to make one up for the shop.

Random note: Aah, all the quotation marks, apostrophes, and some commas have vanished mysteriously, and refuse to appear when typed! Danged technology, sometimes. I may have to tell Peter about this.
Oh, that's awesome! Now I'm really motivated to find a colony! I have the ultimate guide also so I'll to do some reading in the darkling section. "Ladybug darkling" is also a really good name too!

 
Oh, that's awesome! Now I'm really motivated to find a colony! I have the ultimate guide also so I'll to do some reading in the darkling section. "Ladybug darkling" is also a really good name too!
Just be warned, fungus darklings dont act like other darklings, and he only covers Bolitotherus mostly (which seems to have very different ecology/humidity needs from Diaperis, and restricts its feeding to dying/dead conks).
Basically, all they seem to need is a host, hiding spots, and proper moisture levels, and maybe an occasional fruit as supplemental snacks.

 
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Just be warned, fungus darklings dont act like other darklings, and he only covers Bolitotherus mostly (which seems to have very different ecology/humidity needs from Diaperis, and restricts its feeding to dying/dead conks).

Basically, all they seem to need is a host, hiding spots, and proper moisture levels, and maybe an occasional fruit as supplemental snacks.
Yeah, I wish that he had covered fungus darklings a little more in it, but I also have his guide on breeding darkling beetles specifically which I believe he goes more in depth on them in.

 
Yeah, I wish that he had covered fungus darklings a little more in it, but I also have his guide on breeding darkling beetles specifically which I believe he goes more in depth on them in.
Cool! Is the darkling chapter in Ultimate a lot smaller and less comprehensive than the darling book, or is it only slightly shorter?
Also, for the sake of staying on topic, have you considered alternative options for your site? Kevinswither runs his shop on a free-website engine, so he may be able to advise you on this.
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Cool! Is the darkling chapter in Ultimate a lot smaller and less comprehensive than the darling book, or is it only slightly shorter?

Also, for the sake of staying on topic, have you considered alternative options for your site? Kevinswither runs his shop on a free-website engine, so he may be able to advise you on this.
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I'm not sure, I'll have to check when I get home.

And I could, but I've spent so much time on my website that I really don't want to have to remake it lol.

 
Sell dry substrate / logs if you can maintain the quality.

or sell dead stock abroad in bulk to foreign countries.

However, keep some live stuff to showcase your results and breeding skills.

most beetles do not have a very long lifespam, therefore selling the stuff above is easier because they stay in "good condition" for a long time. Plus there are too many regulations for live trade in the states and keeping all the beetles alive is a cost too.

 
The deadstock thing is a brilliant idea. However, I think there are laws that prevent "dirt" (substrate) from being moved between states in the US, though I'm not 100% sure. There's probably something written somewhere in the USDA, I assume.

Also, from the looks of it, tenebrionids will be a big part of the future shop. Unlike scarabs, tenebs (including death-feigners and Eleodes) typically have very long-lived adults. Food for them also costs nothing or next to nothing. Just remove a chunk from your apple, pear or salad for them, maybe throw in the occasional dog/fish pellet if you keep those pets, and everyone will be happy
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Substrate shouldn't be dirt, and you don't write dirt. I write sawdust or wood flakes when I ship. Also dry the sub a little , dried sub has a lighter color so nobody is confused(cheaper shipping too). As long as you write your items correctly... What you will get into trouble is when your packaged item doesn't match your product description.

I didn't say "sell substrate internationally." Substrate is mainly for USA domestic sales only since other countries will probably just buy from Japan, cheap and reliable.

 
I was afraid that certain substrates may be classified as "dirt" even if they aren't, especially the more leafy and composty types.

 
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