What kind of substrate do you use for L. elaphus and S. aloeus?

[Lucanus]

I want to know what kind of substrate will be good for Lucanus elaphus and Strategus aloeus larvae. Do you have any informations or personal experieb=nce for this species?

 

[cre0broter]

I think cocofiber or peat moss mixed with soggy rotten wood would be okay, was asking orin about this for capreolus and so elephas may be the same. let me check my pm's

 

[Beetle-Experience]

Lucanus would be almost completely well rotten hard wood. Strategus aloeus will accept a wider range from rich compost too mostly rotten hardwood (S.a. grubs are often found in compost piles).

 

[Lucanus]

I think cocofiber or peat moss mixed with soggy rotten wood would be okay, was asking orin about this for capreolus and so elephas may be the same. let me check my pm's

I was planning to get some peat moss but the ones that are in Walmart and Home depot has fertilizers in it so I can't use it. I wish I can find some organic peat moss.

 

[axlopez]

I get my peat moss from pet stores which are all organic

 

[Lucanus]

Lucanus would be almost completely well rotten hard wood. Strategus aloeus will accept a wider range from rich compost too mostly rotten hardwood (S.a. grubs are often found in compost piles).

I do use rotten woods for stag beetles but the size of larvae are smaller than what I expect them to be. My strategus aloeus were doing fine until recetly the larvae started to grow slower than before they used to be. I use substrate that I collected from tree cavity. Do you have any suggestion?

Thank you ofr the reply.

 

[axlopez]

I personoly breed Strategus Aloeus I use dirt from outside (CAUTION-whatch out for pestisides) I sift the dirt then add wood and leaves then add coconut fiber which I have very moist about four inches is perfect, try to make it like compost

Ive raised over 400 Strategus Aloeus beetles and larva on this substrate always works for me if you need more details PM me

Thanks, Andrew

 

[Lucanus]

I personoly breed Strategus Aloeus I use dirt from outside (CAUTION-whatch out for pestisides) I sift the dirt then add wood and leaves then add coconut fiber which I have very moist about four inches is perfect, try to make it like compost

Ive raised over 400 Strategus Aloeus beetles and larva on this substrate always works for me if you need more details PM me

Thanks, Andrew

Wow! 400 are a lot! Can you show me some pictures of larvae and pupae?

Thank you for the information. I wish my larvae grow well.

 

[Mashku]

I think cocofiber or peat moss mixed with soggy rotten wood would be okay, was asking orin about this for capreolus and so elephas may be the same. let me check my pm's

Cocofiber are NOT good for feedinf Grubs, Lucanid Grubs need Wood (or the Fungus /Bacteria in it)!

Cocofiber can only use for keep Imago in it, not for breeding !

Greez,

Mashku.

 

[Lucanus]

Cocofiber are NOT good for feedinf Grubs, Lucanid Grubs need Wood (or the Fungus /Bacteria in it)!

Cocofiber can only use for keep Imago in it, not for breeding !

Greez,

Mashku.

In Europe, cocofibers are often used for breeding cetonidae and Dynastidae larvae. I am not sure if they are nutritious.