Hercules Beetle not eating!

Pelidnota Punctata

Pelidnota Punctata

L1
We've had a female Hercules Beetle since Sept 28 and we can't get her to eat. When she arrived, she had some beetle jelly in her

deli cup and appeared to have eaten about a third during the trip here. We've tried to give her a few different flavored beetle jellies,

fresh banana, orange and apple slices, but all she wants to do is bury herself back in the substrate when introduced to food.🙄

Actually, she spends all her time buried. Knowing they are nocturnal, we keep her in dark during night hours, hoping she'll surface and

eat. When we have her out, she appears healthy, has a very strong grip and is very active. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

IMG_4594 - Copy.jpg

 
It's normal, just leave some beetle jellies on top of the substrate, she will eat when she needs it. 

If you notice any fruit flies or mites, remove immediately. 

I recommend using a beetle jelly splitter, they are amazing. It splits the jellies so you can conserve more of your supply. 

 
Ratmosphere said:
It's normal, just leave some beetle jellies on top of the substrate, she will eat when she needs it. 

If you notice any fruit flies or mites, remove immediately. 

I recommend using a beetle jelly splitter, they are amazing. It splits the jellies so you can conserve more of your supply. 
Click to expand...
That's reassuring. We were getting pretty worried since it's been just shy of 3 weeks since she's ate! 😧

Yes, I replace the slices of fruit with the quickness, as fruit flies show up very quickly. I'll definitely check out the jelly splitters.

Like @jake7917 said, is it possible she is overwintering? If so, is it best to just leave her alone during this period and not disturb her

'till spring/summer?

 
They don't overwinter in captivity... They do not feed for the first for the first few months after emergence (up to 6), just leave her be and she will eventually eat. More you disturb her the shorter she will live, you can reduce her lifespan very very significantly if you keep pulling her to the surface. There are some books by Orin on their care if you are curious.

 
JunkaiWangisme said:
They don't overwinter in captivity... They do not feed for the first for the first few months after emergence (up to 6), just leave her be and she will eventually eat. More you disturb her the shorter she will live, you can reduce her lifespan very very significantly if you keep pulling her to the surface. There are some books by Orin on their care if you are curious.
Click to expand...
Oh wow.

I received her as a gift and had no idea. So, since she completed metamorphosis on August 6, I should not expect her to come out to eat until around December to January-ish? Good to know not to disturb her then. Do they spend most of their lives buried even after the emerge?

ETA: I went ahead and ordered Orin's book. Is he a member here by chance?

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Pelidnota Punctata said:
Oh wow.

I received her as a gift and had no idea. So, since she completed metamorphosis on August 6, I should not expect her to come out to eat until around December to January-ish? Good to know not to disturb her then. Do they spend most of their lives buried even after the emerge?

ETA: I went ahead and ordered Orin's book. Is he a member here by chance?
Click to expand...
Yes, he is Dynastes on the forum. 

They bury for a while but will be decently active when it starts eating.

How long they hibernate is up to the individual, and the longest I had was 6 months, shortest 3.

 
JunkaiWangisme said:
Yes, he is Dynastes on the forum. 

They bury for a while but will be decently active when it starts eating.

How long they hibernate is up to the individual, and the longest I had was 6 months, shortest 3.
Click to expand...


Very cool!

I will let her be then. We have her in a terrarium with about 5 to 6 inches of flake soil. How long are open beetle jellies good for?

Also, how often should I mist her substrate/texture?

Thanks!

 
Pelidnota Punctata said:
Very cool!

I will let her be then. We have her in a terrarium with about 5 to 6 inches of flake soil. How long are open beetle jellies good for?

Also, how often should I mist her substrate/texture?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
just simply keep it damp. Jelly are good till it ferments badly, time depends on brand. You can leave a layer of paper towels on the surface, she is active when the paper towels is torn up.

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