Sun beetles - update and seeking advice?

[Pigeon]

note: there are two questions at the bottom of this thread - just a lot of waffle before hand...


So it's been just over 2 months since I made this thread about some pachnoda grubs that I had just purchased. I figured we were over due an update on this little critters!



The initial grub count was 11 I think - for the first month and I half the tank sat virtually dormant on the side. I saw nothing but the occasional small bit of fruit or veg did slowly disappear under the soil surface so I knew something alive under there. Fast forwards to a few weeks ago and the little colourful beetles started to emerge! For the first week it was pretty much one new beetle every day. I have a total of 7 currently; a nice mixture of male and female (with predominantely female it seems). And it's been fascinating to watch them go about their business. Their tank sits directly at the foot of my bed, so I can relax comfortabley and watch them scramble about.

Until the beetles started to emerge, I wasn't aware that they will drop a 'foul' smelly liquid if disturbed or startled - and just now i have discovered that they can get quite good range with it... (she ddn't like me removing old cucumber and decided to sprinkle my shirt in it). It smells oddly sweet and seems so fitting for the species.

My only concerns now, as they are a mix of male and female they will enevitably breed which is fine, i want this to happen. However, I am aware that I will need to include more wood and leaf mulch at some point. When is the best time to stirr more into the existing soil... and should i remove any of the existing soil to do as such?

My other question is, should i include some more wood/branches on top of the surface for the beetles themselves? I want the tank to feel enriched and enjoyable for them (even if they are just beetles). What sort of things can I include that would make it more than just a box of soil and leaves?

Any advice greatly recieved!​

 

[Matts inverts]

Can you post pics of the tank? I would add more leaves and rotten wood once the original soil is mostly used. Not sure the best time. It helps to sift out frass and still use the good soil. Just try not to harm any grubs or cocoons. This is also a good time to check if the grubs are good. I would add more branches or bark and some moss or pothos to decorate more if there isn’t already decorations on top. Good luck on breeding them. I want to breed the local fig eater beetles. I can’t have any African fruit beetles and the ones I can legally have are to expensive.

 

[Pigeon]

Can you post pics of the tank? I would add more leaves and rotten wood once the original soil is mostly used. Not sure the best time. It helps to sift out frass and still use the good soil. Just try not to harm any grubs or cocoons. This is also a good time to check if the grubs are good. I would add more branches or bark and some moss or pothos to decorate more if there isn’t already decorations on top. Good luck on breeding them. I want to breed the local fig eater beetles. I can’t have any African fruit beetles and the ones I can legally have are to expensive.

Tank is nothing to fancy. Just a run of the mill critter keeper. Please excuse the shoddy photography.
Cling film is currently temporary just to keep the humidity up as it's gotten a little toasty here recently and the soil was drying out a bit too fast.
What's the best way to tell they've used the original soil? I would presume when the level seems to decrease slightly - which it definitely has. They have nothing on top, just some loose moss, so once i've had the chance to go and scavenge i'll toss them some more logs andbark in so they're got something to scurry over and explore.

 

[Matts inverts]

what size is the tank they are in? As long as they have the proper tank size and food and humidity, they should be fine. The branches are good though. Are you going to use them for anything other than pets?

 

[Pigeon]

what size is the tank they are in? As long as they have the proper tank size and food and humidity, they should be fine. The branches are good though. Are you going to use them for anything other than pets?

It's a medium critter keeper. Not sure measurements. I've found very little regarding tank requirements on line but if you have any resources you could point me towards that would be amazing.

And nah, I just keep them because they're interesting to watch and draw haha

 

[Matts inverts]

https://www.keepinginsects.com/beetle/species/sun-beetle/ has some info.

 

[Pigeon]

https://www.keepinginsects.com/beetle/species/sun-beetle/ has some info.

Thanks! i'll do some more reading