Eleodes subnitens and diabolical ironclad beetles

[jreidsma]

Here are my E. subnitens (got them IDed on beetleforum.net)
[YOUTUBE]0fDaa6X_5ac[/YOUTUBE]

And here are my new Diabolical ironclad beetles
[YOUTUBE]TeRxPCwLcG4[/YOUTUBE]

 

[hydrophyte]

Cool beetles!

 

[Bugs In Cyberspace]

The diabolicals really like to chew into some decomposing wood. It's really nice to see these species picking up a more mainstream appreciation in the hobby. Thanks for sharing!

My favorite thing about the diabolicals is the little recess that their antennae fit into. Well, that and their asphalt-like texture.

 

[Dark]

How does one breed Eleodes subnitens and what do they like to eat?

 

[jreidsma]

The Eleodes seem to like fruit, I feed them apples and pears mainly
For breeding the Eleodes I guess you keep one corner of the substrate moist and submerge carrots if you don't have wood and leafs for them. I don't have any babies yet that I know of but I should soon
I actually bought the 15 Eleodes from Bugs in Cyberspace, so I don't have any larva yet but will soon


It is disappointing to see how little is known about keeping and breeding the diabolicals. Maybe more will be known and posted online after more people get them
I am feeding the Diabolicals fruit (they seem to like it so far?) as I read online they would eat pretty much anything. I may try oats with them and see what they do
I was holding some of them earlier, they are rather slow moving Pretty cool little beetles


Thanks everyone for the feedback

 

[Bugs In Cyberspace]

I'd never even heard of diabolical ironclad beetles until a friend in California offered them to me a year or so ago. That's one of the wonderful things about bugs. So many, so much to learn!

Just now my parents are collecting a small selection of completely new (for me) tenebs a few states east of here. They also found a couple Eleodes suturalis. It's a bit off topic but they also pulled in one Amblycheila tiger beetle last night!!

Elytra and Antenna's darkling book is the best source of information for teneb/darkling care and represents the front line in hobby knowledge.

 

[jreidsma]

When they get back we would love to see some pictures Hope they find some cool stuff to bring back

I have been looking at that book, but whenever I get a book I end up putting it in my closet and never reading them. :: :sarcasm:

I never knew there were so many species of Eleodes until I joined beetleforum.net and here. I didn't even know what Eleodes were before I bought these ones.

These beetles contradict their name, there is nothing "diabolical" about these diabolical ironclad beetles. They are gentle, slow moving, play dead, everything opposite of something evil