Predatory Beetles

[Terrena Laxamentum]

What is the status of predatory beetles (I'm most interested in Anthias and Manticora) entering the U.S? Is anyone able to get them in?

 

[pannaking22]

Rare in a good year, non-existent in a normal year. They technically can't be imported because they're beetles (I know, they don't eat plant matter, but rules is rules unfortunately), but I think the bigger issue is that breeding is extremely difficult. I believe there's a couple threads here on AB on them. Otherwise if you're part of beetle forum I know there are a couple posts over there.

http://arachnoboards.com/search/18351957/?q=anthia&o=date

 

[Terrena Laxamentum]

So that law does apply to predatory ones... That sucks! I guess I'll just continue keeping a keen eye out for them or anything similar.

 

[pannaking22]

I'm not 100% sure it would apply, but I also don't know how taxonomically inclined the inspectors would be if they checked the box. I'd say they're safe because they don't consume plant matter. I'd watch out and see if anyone offers them. I know a couple people in Canada have kept them somewhat recently, but I don't know how much success they've had. They're more commonly kept in Europe, but again, success rates are unknown.

 

[Salmonsaladsandwich]

Here in the states we've got Calosoma, Amblycheila, and Pasimachus to ease your thirst for large predatory beetles.

 

[Terrena Laxamentum]

I think it's possible to get them, but people might be apprehensive about getting them in due them being beetles and the laws surrounding them. Those three genera look pretty cool, I will probably look into them.

 

[pannaking22]

They're pretty pricey to get a hold of too, which may be another reason why they aren't so popular in the US. High price combined with short lifespan and low chance of reproduction isn't a great combo. Pasimachus and Calosoma/Carabus are nice natives and they tend to go for pretty cheap prices. Amblycheila will be quite a bit more expensive, but they're incredible creatures. I was finding Pasimachus and Calosoma/Carabus pretty commonly around here over the last couple months, so I should be able to track some down for you pretty easily next year if you decide you want to try them.

 

[Terrena Laxamentum]

I actually really like the Amblycheila. By expensive, do you mean like over $100?

 

[pannaking22]

Depending on which species of Amblycheila it could get over $100. That has to do in part with their dead value though. They're huge, beautiful, and hard to come across unless you're out walking sandy roads/fields after midnight while it's raining (assuming there are proper habitats for the larvae and for the adults to hide in during the day). The most commonly available species, A. cylindriformis, goes for $20 on the low end for a dead specimen, while they can get over $50 pretty easily. Live prices will likely mirror that, depending on who you buy from, but of course live adults come with the caveat of a questionable lifespan. I haven't seen anyone offering larvae, so I have no idea how much those would go for.

Pasimachus and Calosoma/Carabus typically go for $10 and under, so they're a pretty cheap option.

 

[Salmonsaladsandwich]

I think part of the reason Amblycheila specimens are so expensive is that they're a really unique type of tiger beetle, and tiger beetles in general are kind of a big deal with collectors.

Tiger beetles are also fairly easy to breed, especially if you use substrate from where they were collected. I've seen a couple reports of people breeding Amblycheila, so it's probably only a matter of time until captive bred ones are available. (Anyone who lives in their range should collect a bunch and put them in a tub with a deep layer of soil from their habitat ASAP.)

 

[pannaking22]

I think part of the reason Amblycheila specimens are so expensive is that they're a really unique type of tiger beetle, and tiger beetles in general are kind of a big deal with collectors.

Tiger beetles are also fairly easy to breed, especially if you use substrate from where they were collected. I've seen a couple reports of people breeding Amblycheila, so it's probably only a matter of time until captive bred ones are available. (Anyone who lives in their range should collect a bunch and put them in a tub with a deep layer of soil from their habitat ASAP.)

That's my goal this winter and next summer. I'm finally in range of one and within striking distance of a couple others, so hopefully I can get some rolling and eventually send some CB individuals out into the hobby world.

 

[Terrena Laxamentum]

That would be cool to see.