Anthia Cinctipennis (african ground beetle)

Hisserdude

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Apr 18, 2015
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Same here. I can't say that I know how many eggs they lay, but whatever it take to increase your chances of successfully getting larvae the better.
Wizentrop said they lay 1-2 eggs every year, and that once they are laid you should remove the adults so that they don't trample the eggs, they are EXTREMELY fragile. I should really just copy his whole post over here, but I'm too lazy.:p
 

pannaking22

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Wizentrop said they lay 1-2 eggs every year, and that once they are laid you should remove the adults so that they don't trample the eggs, they are EXTREMELY fragile. I should really just copy his whole post over here, but I'm too lazy.:p
Whaaaat? Geez, I really should head over to Beetle Forum and check it out lol. That'll be some nice reading later tonight.
 

wizentrop

to the rescue!
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Just did that for you, @Hisserdude :p

If you want to get to the next stage in breeding:
First, separate your pair. They have mated a few times already, there is no point in leaving the male in there. He can actually stress the female and damage the eggs.
Second, I could not figure out the substrate from your photos (coco fiber?), but Anthia species are psammophiles, they need deep sand substrate. They can survive in an enclosure like yours, but will not lay eggs.
Next, make a moist area in one side of the enclosure, about 20% of the surface area. The sand in that area needs to be wet, but the rest of the enclosure should be dry sand. This moisture gradient will trigger the female to lay in the wet area.
You will only get 1-2 eggs, but they are HUGE. The female places them either on the substrate or partially buried. It is best to remove the female from the enclosure because she can step on the eggs and destroy them.
DO NOT touch the eggs or they will break at the slightest of touch.
If you are lucky, the eggs will hatch in 1-2 weeks (keep them on the warm side and do not let them dry out), and a big black larva will appear. The larvae are cannibalistic. They are active and can be fed with paralyzed crickets. The second (and last) instar is immobile and trickier to feed.

Hope this helps!
 

Hisserdude

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Just did that for you, @Hisserdude :p

If you want to get to the next stage in breeding:
First, separate your pair. They have mated a few times already, there is no point in leaving the male in there. He can actually stress the female and damage the eggs.
Second, I could not figure out the substrate from your photos (coco fiber?), but Anthia species are psammophiles, they need deep sand substrate. They can survive in an enclosure like yours, but will not lay eggs.
Next, make a moist area in one side of the enclosure, about 20% of the surface area. The sand in that area needs to be wet, but the rest of the enclosure should be dry sand. This moisture gradient will trigger the female to lay in the wet area.
You will only get 1-2 eggs, but they are HUGE. The female places them either on the substrate or partially buried. It is best to remove the female from the enclosure because she can step on the eggs and destroy them.
DO NOT touch the eggs or they will break at the slightest of touch.
If you are lucky, the eggs will hatch in 1-2 weeks (keep them on the warm side and do not let them dry out), and a big black larva will appear. The larvae are cannibalistic. They are active and can be fed with paralyzed crickets. The second (and last) instar is immobile and trickier to feed.

Hope this helps!
Haha thanks! :)
 

Mattias

Arachnopeon
Joined
Apr 8, 2015
Messages
39
While changing the substrate i found these.
There's 2 of them. They're the size of a tictac.
If you hold a flashlight behind them you can see the larvae.
You can see it a little bit on the second photo but since it was taken with my phone it's not so clear.
20160114_201333.jpg
20160114_203831.jpg
I'm so happy!!! :D
 

Mattias

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Joined
Apr 8, 2015
Messages
39
Thanks for all the info by the way. I really appreciate it!
I've put them in separate cups with moist eco earth.
I hope that's enough. :D
 

Hisserdude

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While changing the substrate i found these.
There's 2 of them. They're the size of a tictac.
If you hold a flashlight behind them you can see the larvae.
You can see it a little bit on the second photo but since it was taken with my phone it's not so clear.
View attachment 204485
View attachment 204484
I'm so happy!!! :D
Awesome! I hope you didn't accidentally damage the eggs, they are very fragile. If they hatch you have to give us some pictures of the larva!! Fingers crossed! :D
 

beetleman

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Old Timer
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Jan 5, 2005
Messages
2,874
While changing the substrate i found these.
There's 2 of them. They're the size of a tictac.
If you hold a flashlight behind them you can see the larvae.
You can see it a little bit on the second photo but since it was taken with my phone it's not so clear.
View attachment 204485
View attachment 204484
I'm so happy!!! :D
oh man that is awesome!! great job,this is great news,good luck,yeah pics when they hatch
 

Mattias

Arachnopeon
Joined
Apr 8, 2015
Messages
39
Hey everyone,
One of the eggs hatched.


Does anybody have any idea how to care for it?
I've put it in a large cup with a deep layer of sand.
i'm planning on giving it some crickets tomorrow.
 

Hisserdude

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Apr 18, 2015
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2,493
Hey everyone,
One of the eggs hatched.


Does anybody have any idea how to care for it?
I've put it in a large cup with a deep layer of sand.
i'm planning on giving it some crickets tomorrow.
YEAH! Awesome! :D Again, read Wizentrop's post above, he briefly discusses care for the larva.
 

beetleman

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Jan 5, 2005
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wow! look at that little stinker,that is so awesome,man ! your very lucky,try prekilled small crickets,mealworms,hopefully it will start feeding :)
 

TOECUTTER

Arachnopeon
Joined
Jan 25, 2016
Messages
1
mattias that is fantastic news for me , im currently incubating 2 eggs also after following wizentrops directions my female laid within a week , how long did your egg take to hatch and what temps did you keep it ? ive kept mine on sand at around 85 degrees
regards
Andy
 

beetleman

Arachnoking
Old Timer
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Jan 5, 2005
Messages
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hey just courious if those anthia larvas ever made it to adulthood,old post but i'm courious!
 
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