PowerHobo Posted April 2, 2018 Report Share Posted April 2, 2018 Such a beautiful species. Pics really can't capture it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugboy3092 Posted April 2, 2018 Report Share Posted April 2, 2018 gorgeous! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dubia4life Posted April 3, 2018 Report Share Posted April 3, 2018 Man I REALLY wanted some of these, but I pretty much spent my entire "invert budget" for the year lol! I wish you the best of luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goliathus Posted April 7, 2018 Report Share Posted April 7, 2018 Agreed - among the dung beetles, the Phanaeini are remarkably coloured - most other dung beetles are black or brown. I well remember the first time (decades ago) that I found a Phanaeus vindex - I was amazed by its colours, which would change depending upon the viewing angle! It was a very large male too, with a long horn. Interestingly, there are some members of the Phanaeini in which both the male and female have horns, such as Coprophanaeus (=Megaphanaeus) lancifer from the Amazon. Another unusual thing about this species is that it's about as big around as a golf ball, and feeds on carrion instead of dung. Another photo (male). C. lancifer has a deep metallic blue colour that's not very common in beetles. Here's another good photo of a male. Another species, C. ensifer, is just as large but is green instead of blue. Males have more prominent sculpturing on the pronotum than the females, and usually have proportionately larger horns.I've never heard of anyone breeding any species of Coprophanaeus, but despite the extra effort which would undoubtedly be involved, they would certainly be a very interesting and worthwhile genus to work with, especially the larger species such as lancifer and ensifer. Incidentally, one small species, C. pluto ranges into the southernmost point of TX. It's completely black in colour, and only the size of US Phanaeus species. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratmosphere Posted April 10, 2018 Report Share Posted April 10, 2018 Great new addition bro! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxillest13xx Posted April 11, 2018 Report Share Posted April 11, 2018 How hard has it been to care for these guys? I've heard it's not all that easy finding the right food for them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garin Posted April 11, 2018 Report Share Posted April 11, 2018 If you have access to horse poop, that works really well. So if you live near horse stables, you are good to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugboy3092 Posted April 11, 2018 Report Share Posted April 11, 2018 I think human feces works even better, the only challenge is in your mind :,D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxillest13xx Posted April 11, 2018 Report Share Posted April 11, 2018 I think human feces works even better, the only challenge is in your mind :,D I was going to ask about this but didn't want to be "that guy" lmao! Here's to pooping for your bugs!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beetle-Experience Posted April 11, 2018 Report Share Posted April 11, 2018 Human works well with collecting but I wouldn't imagine it being great for rearing; I used cow in captivity.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garin Posted April 12, 2018 Report Share Posted April 12, 2018 I think human feces works even better, the only challenge is in your mind :,D Only in your mind?? haha, Thanks bugboy for making my day. I was reading that at work and literally laughed so hard someone asked what I was reading. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugboy3092 Posted April 12, 2018 Report Share Posted April 12, 2018 Haha lol, sadly Im not lucky enough to live near any farms or such. Also Ive been questioning my sanity lately as Ive caught myself more and more often thinking hmm, will this be good for the beetles? As I stare at a plate of food. Maybe itd work for other species? Idk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PowerHobo Posted April 12, 2018 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2018 Ok, so... #realtalk... my P vindex have received fresh rat, dog, horse... and human dung. Pretty much at the same time and in equal amounts. For science, of course (it helps me sleep at night). The human dung was completely gone overnight. The horse dung is still partially left after almost a week, so its about to come out. Id love to give them cow dung but the nearest cow in Vegas is not easily accessible, nor do I think theyd be hyper hip to supplying me a bucket of deuce. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugboy3092 Posted April 12, 2018 Report Share Posted April 12, 2018 Wow, I guess they like human haha! Ive read that horse isnt very useful (I think, though that could just be for trapping). If human dung is working Id recommend sticking with it (the cranial discomfort is worth it) Ive also read that dog (and I think rat too) are almost worthless for breeding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxillest13xx Posted April 12, 2018 Report Share Posted April 12, 2018 Before I wanted these guys for their beautiful colors now I want them more so for the scientific research of what crap they like to feast on lol. Anyone have any references on where to purchase? PowerHobo - Did you get your guys as adults or as larva? Anyone - How long is the life expectancy for these dudes? I've been trying and trying to do some research with no luck at all Thanks in advance everyone!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goliathus Posted April 12, 2018 Report Share Posted April 12, 2018 Phanaeus definitely favors the dung of omnivores. They can live on the fresh manure of herbivores such as cattle if there's no other option, though it's not their preference. Horse manure is little more than slightly digested grass, and seems to be of little interest to most US dung beetle species. For Phanaeus, pig dung works well for if you have access to some. Anyone have any references on where to purchase? At - bugsincyberspace.com Anyone - How long is the life expectancy for these dudes? At least 4 months - possibly longer under optimal conditions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stag Beetles Posted April 13, 2018 Report Share Posted April 13, 2018 Such a beautiful species. Pics really can't capture it. did you find it around where you live? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxillest13xx Posted April 13, 2018 Report Share Posted April 13, 2018 Phanaeus definitely favors the dung of omnivores. They can live on the fresh manure of herbivores such as cattle if there's no other option, though it's not their preference. Horse manure is little more than slightly digested grass, and seems to be of little interest to most US dung beetle species. For Phanaeus, pig dung works well for if you have access to some. Anyone have any references on where to purchase? At - bugsincyberspace.com Anyone - How long is the life expectancy for these dudes? At least 4 months - possibly longer under optimal conditions. THANK YOU! Any idea on how long the larva stage is? Or better yet time from egg to pupa (sorry if my wording is off, I'm so new to this) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goliathus Posted April 13, 2018 Report Share Posted April 13, 2018 Any idea on how long the larva stage is? I would estimate that the larval stage is around 4 or 5 months long. Then, at least that much additional time is spent inside the brood ball as a pre-pupa, pupa, and hibernating adult. Adults start emerging in spring, in response to higher temperatures and rain. An ideal day for Phanaeus activity would be sunny, above 80 degrees F, and not too windy, especially right after a rather heavy rain. Their peak activity time is between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.Or better yet time from egg to pupaDevelopment time from egg to adult in captivity is six months to a year, depending on environmental conditions. As with many other beetles, the time can undoubtedly be minimized if the temperature and humidity are maintained at optimal levels. Many beetle species will start to ignore seasonal climate cycles after being kept in captivity for a few generations, gradually becoming out of sync with the wild population. This might happen with Phanaeus, which means it might be possible to have adults emerge in the middle of winter, under climate-controlled, indoor conditions.There's a useful book available that goes into considerable detail about rearing Phanaeus and other dung beetles - https://shop.bugsincyberspace.com/Dung-Beetle-Pet-Book-bic18.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beetle-Experience Posted April 14, 2018 Report Share Posted April 14, 2018 Also: https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Rearing-Rainbow-Scarab-Beetles/dp/0980240158 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beetle-Experience Posted April 14, 2018 Report Share Posted April 14, 2018 When I was breeding them and writing the book, I kept the setup in a spare bathroom and was surprised by the lack of smell. Regarding bait, I have a friend at the local zoo who let me collect as much pig feces as I wanted. It was fun when this happened during opening hours and the guests were around.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugboy3092 Posted April 14, 2018 Report Share Posted April 14, 2018 Omg why did I never think of that ! I guess theres a one way ticket to breeding heliocopris! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beetle-Experience Posted April 14, 2018 Report Share Posted April 14, 2018 I many of the early issues of the Scarabs Newsletter they cover trap styles and bait types, often with humorous stories Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxillest13xx Posted April 18, 2018 Report Share Posted April 18, 2018 Any idea on how long the larva stage is? I would estimate that the larval stage is around 4 or 5 months long. Then, at least that much additional time is spent inside the brood ball as a pre-pupa, pupa, and hibernating adult. Adults start emerging in spring, in response to higher temperatures and rain. An ideal day for Phanaeus activity would be sunny, above 80 degrees F, and not too windy, especially right after a rather heavy rain. Their peak activity time is between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Or better yet time from egg to pupa Development time from egg to adult in captivity is six months to a year, depending on environmental conditions. As with many other beetles, the time can undoubtedly be minimized if the temperature and humidity are maintained at optimal levels. Many beetle species will start to ignore seasonal climate cycles after being kept in captivity for a few generations, gradually becoming out of sync with the wild population. This might happen with Phanaeus, which means it might be possible to have adults emerge in the middle of winter, under climate-controlled, indoor conditions. There's a useful book available that goes into considerable detail about rearing Phanaeus and other dung beetles - https://shop.bugsincyberspace.com/Dung-Beetle-Pet-Book-bic18.htm This forum has been the biggest blessing of my life! You guys rock! Thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.