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HOUSING: |
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Fruit beetles are one of the easiest insects to keep and can be kept in any container which enables you to lay down at least 7-8 inches of substrate, together with some space above for the adult beetles. A lid is required as the beetles can often fly! |
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SUBSTRATE: |
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The substrate is put in for the beetles to lay their eggs in and for the grubs to grow in and feed on. The grubs digest the substrate and pass the waste out whilst they grow. The substrate should be a mix of rotten crumbling wood and leaf mould which can easily be obtained from your local wood or forest, it is best to collect from areas under deciduous trees, and the addition of fruit will complete their needs. Try not to let the top of the substrate dry out, but keep it moist at all times. |
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ADULT: |
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The adult beetle is fun to watch and bumbles around on the surface eating fruit and mating and sometimes flying. Adult males may fight over females, and they can be identified as having an indentation on the underside running down the line of the body. |
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GRUBS: |
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The grubs grow rapidly and ideally should not be handled too often. They spend their lives in the substrate out of view until they form a hard cocoon around themselves and turn into the adult beetle. |
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GENERAL: |
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Most beetles you will come across are from the tropics and therefore should be kept at 20-30°c for optimum growth. At this temperature range a complete life cycle will take place in about 6-7 months. Lower temperatures will extend the life cycle. Anything less than room temperature is too low and may kill the grubs. |
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Image Gallery |
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Insects 
