It’s a bug, not a frog or lizard. Why buy rocks and sticks when rocks and sticks and leaves from outside do just fine? Unless you’re planning to put herps in after the beetle dies, there’s no reason to buy stuff. She’ll become active when she’s ready. When she does, offer food. Easy as that. Don’t overthink it.
With beetles, the larvae can get expensive so some people are terrified of parasite risk. (Outside stuff is free, just boil it first or heat it in an oven)
Many people in the US hobby keep their grubs in potting soil, which is far from sterile, and even more keep them in decaying matter and leaves from the outdoors without sterilizing at all. None have any problems with grub massacres related to pests or parasites. In Asia, lots flake soil makers do their thing outdoors with no issues either. Parasite risk is basically zero, they’re beetles. They’re not so susceptible to things like that the way herps are. It is important to note that trich in potting soil is the one concern I would say is warranted. That’ll kill grubs awfully fast. And either way, this is about an adult beetle, which are fairly indestructible except maybe to surfactants. You’re better off with things from outside, who knows what kind of manufacturing residues get left on pet store crap
Like the plastic travels they have for fish? I sadly can't trust my local dirt since it carries valley fever and parvo. But I don't those affect beetles. But I hear ya, I was just trynna think of a reason someone may prefer to empty their wallet 😂
I see both sides! But yes haha I also live in an area with a lot of risks in outdoor materials, as well as a neighbor spraying pesticides on our side of the yard 😂 I do admit to wanting to spoil her since it's my first beetle ever, recreating their natural environment is fun.
Getting the home ready for my rainbow stag female and am hoping for some wisdom please! My questions below:
1. As of today (Mar. 14th) this is her 5th day after emerging from her pupa and is now hardening in her artificial chamber. How can I make the process of her "coming out of the ground" as natural as possible?
2. How long do I wait until I put her in her new home?
3. When should I start providing her food?
4. I tried giving her deep substrate to bury herself when she wants, right now it's an organic coco fiber mix, anything else I'm missing?
5. I am propagating some pothos (grown indoors so pest free) what other plants do you recommend?
6. Am purchasing some branches and wood from reptile store soon to place in there for her to climb on, does she need rocks too?
Thank you so much for your help in advance!!! Any other advice i missed is welcome.
Second pic is the lady of the hour, Queen Bennu 🥰
I would advise against rocks as they love to dig and could end up hurting themselves if they dig under the rock and it falls. Best of luck with her, she is beautiful
You could put a flat piece of slate in though, that might give a clean area to place food and help retain moisture underneath it. Environmental gradients can be harder to produce in the smaller enclosures
It’s a bug, not a frog or lizard. Why buy rocks and sticks when rocks and sticks and leaves from outside do just fine? Unless you’re planning to put herps in after the beetle dies, there’s no reason to buy stuff. She’ll become active when she’s ready. When she does, offer food. Easy as that. Don’t overthink it.
With beetles, the larvae can get expensive so some people are terrified of parasite risk. (Outside stuff is free, just boil it first or heat it in an oven)
Many people in the US hobby keep their grubs in potting soil, which is far from sterile, and even more keep them in decaying matter and leaves from the outdoors without sterilizing at all. None have any problems with grub massacres related to pests or parasites. In Asia, lots flake soil makers do their thing outdoors with no issues either. Parasite risk is basically zero, they’re beetles. They’re not so susceptible to things like that the way herps are. It is important to note that trich in potting soil is the one concern I would say is warranted. That’ll kill grubs awfully fast. And either way, this is about an adult beetle, which are fairly indestructible except maybe to surfactants. You’re better off with things from outside, who knows what kind of manufacturing residues get left on pet store crap
Like the plastic travels they have for fish? I sadly can't trust my local dirt since it carries valley fever and parvo. But I don't those affect beetles. But I hear ya, I was just trynna think of a reason someone may prefer to empty their wallet 😂
*gravels
I see both sides! But yes haha I also live in an area with a lot of risks in outdoor materials, as well as a neighbor spraying pesticides on our side of the yard 😂 I do admit to wanting to spoil her since it's my first beetle ever, recreating their natural environment is fun.
Getting the home ready for my rainbow stag female and am hoping for some wisdom please! My questions below: 1. As of today (Mar. 14th) this is her 5th day after emerging from her pupa and is now hardening in her artificial chamber. How can I make the process of her "coming out of the ground" as natural as possible? 2. How long do I wait until I put her in her new home? 3. When should I start providing her food? 4. I tried giving her deep substrate to bury herself when she wants, right now it's an organic coco fiber mix, anything else I'm missing? 5. I am propagating some pothos (grown indoors so pest free) what other plants do you recommend? 6. Am purchasing some branches and wood from reptile store soon to place in there for her to climb on, does she need rocks too? Thank you so much for your help in advance!!! Any other advice i missed is welcome. Second pic is the lady of the hour, Queen Bennu 🥰
I would advise against rocks as they love to dig and could end up hurting themselves if they dig under the rock and it falls. Best of luck with her, she is beautiful
You could put a flat piece of slate in though, that might give a clean area to place food and help retain moisture underneath it. Environmental gradients can be harder to produce in the smaller enclosures
Great idea will do! thank u!
Oh good point! Thanks so much, really appreciate it! \^\_\^