DynastesDee Posted February 21, 2021 Report Share Posted February 21, 2021 What’s the best substrate to use for Lucanus elaphus larvae? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JKim Posted February 21, 2021 Report Share Posted February 21, 2021 What are you comparing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DynastesDee Posted February 21, 2021 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2021 This is compared to turkey tail kinshi. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spyro Posted February 21, 2021 Report Share Posted February 21, 2021 If you have access to white rotted wood chunks and flake soil , that’s supposed to work well. Large chunks of the wood for the larvae to chew in to is the best IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DynastesDee Posted February 22, 2021 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2021 Does that substrate work for Lucanus mazama? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reyes Posted February 22, 2021 Report Share Posted February 22, 2021 3 hours ago, DynastesDee said: Does that substrate work for Lucanus mazama? Yes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pickle01 Posted February 22, 2021 Report Share Posted February 22, 2021 L elaphus really like to burrow into chunks of white rotten wood, but they don't need to be too big. I normally try to include pieces about 6 inches long, 3 inches wide with some flake soil or regular forest soil from where I find the larvae. Mine have also been reared in just flake soil made from oak pellets, and they seem to like that too. Based on where I find them in the wild, they aren't super picky about substrate as long as it isn't completely broken down and dark brown yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevink Posted February 22, 2021 Report Share Posted February 22, 2021 I've read that chunks are good for larger beetles, and that's going to be more of a natural medium than sawdust size material. It would be interesting to have control groups to see what works best, I think the finer material produces quicker results, but I'm just starting, I do know that the material I use- a mix of purchased flake and wild collected material seems to be taking a long time, but the grubs are indoors and healthy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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