Because bugs aren't just for breakfast anymore...
Beetles
Calosoma
scrutator Fiery Searcher
An active predator, Calosoma scrutator roams relatively moist places looking for caterpillars and other prey amongst plants, leaves, and debris. In addition to the metallic green elytra and the golden edging the rest of the beetle, apparently black, picks up various shades of purple, red, green, etc. in direct light much in the manner of a drop of oil on the surface of water. These beetles live a year or more and are quite hardy captives readily accepting mealworms, crickets, and most other commonly available live foods.
This is a 71 millimeter male Dynastes granti, the largest US beetle. This rhinoceros beetle uses its 'horns' to scrape branches which then exude sweet sap which is consumed by the beetles. They can also be used in a game of 'King of the Hill' with other males to gain the dominant ground and the advantage in attracting females. This male was successful and fertilized several females. We breed this species and raise the larvae. Adults feed well on apples or peaches.
The above is an example of a Dynastes granti in the pupa stage, awaiting its emergence as an adult.
Pasimachus species beetles are similar in appearance to some of the stag beetles, having very pronounced jaws. Generally adults will reach an inch to an inch and a half in size. Unlike the stags Pasimachus will not only feed upon plant matter but they will sometimes also accept live foods. From time to time they'll give their keeper a strong nip as well. Kept in relatively dry soil, given a water dish and offered items such as apple slices and mealworms, many will live for a year or more. Pasimachus are similar in many respects to the African Antina species.
Above is a male long jawed longhorn beetle, Trachyderes mandibularis. These denizens of the US Southwestern deserts typically live much of their life as larvae within the wood of trees such as the Palo Verde. When geography, summer rains, and a good deal of luck all come together, these jewels emerge and can be seen busily breeding. Later they will lay the eggs to produce the next generation of beetles. The longest jaws and antennae are typical of the males, and are perhaps useful in impressing a female, as well as in securing her in position for mating.
Strategus aloeus is a large horned beetle that can be surprisingly long lived, sometimes living up to a year. Adults thrive quite well on a diet of peaches and similar fruit. Males in particular resemble a triceratops. These are especially beefy beetles, with tank-like lengths of about 2 1/2 to 3 inches being typical.
Fungus beetles do just what their name implies, that is to eat fungus. This one is busy eating a forest mushroom, their staple diet. The black and blue coloration is quite striking. There are many species of fungus beetles, many of which have brilliant coloration.
Chrysina (formerly Plusiotis) gloriosa is also exactly as its name implies, meaning glorious. These beetles feed upon junipers in higher elevations. Adults will often also accept pear fruits. We give them both.
The beige form above is a Chrysina gloriosa, having pupated and soon emerging as an adult similar to the prior photo.
Cotalpa consobrina is a golden scarab closely related to the goldsmith beetle. They are a spectacular golden yellow with irridescent blue/green toe tips. These beetles feed upon foliage of trees such as cottonwood and the larvae eat decomposing hardwoods.
Megasoma punctulatus is an extremely rare Arizona beetle. Even dried specimens are often priced into 3 figures. This is a medium sized to large beetle and attractive to be sure, but there is little doubt that much of the attraction of this Southwestern beetle is rarity. Larvae can be raised on hardwoods. Perhaps part of the rarity of the species in captivity is a tendency we have noticed of not being attracted as readily to lights as are many similar large beetles.
Red Spot Assassin Platymeris rhadamanthus photo courtesy of Orin McMonigle.
Not a beetle but actually a true bug, these predators are quite beautiful as you can see and can be raised on a variety of insects.
This is a predaceous ground beetle. Calosoma species. These gather in packs near light sources and quickly grab and consume any prey items that wander nearby. The amount of food these beetles consume in a short time can be amazing. These are quite similar to a small version of the Anthia beetles pictured below, with these topping out at about one inch. When disturbed, these put out a scent that we find to be somewhat citrus-like and actually oddly pleasing. We put these to work in newly vacated tanks as well as they quickly dispatch any pill bugs or other creatures that may have multiplied beyond your original intent.
These are the Antina (spelling?) species beetles. We have little info on these other than that the appear to have originated upon the continent of Africa. They are large, with the females reaching 3 inches or more, and ravenous hunters. Further, they appear to be quite long lived. We sold our remaining stock as we were unable to get the eggs to hatch. No doubt the problem was in our choice and depth of substrate. Anyone with a source of these please let us know.
Desert Beetle Eleodes suturalis
These are pictured in a classic pose, the breeding position. Typical size is an inch or more for females, with males being slightly smaller. We have observed that the females sometimes have a maroon blush. These beetles are otherwise glossy black with grooves on the wing covers. We keep these as we keep most dung beetles, in moderately moist soil with plenty of decaying vegetation upon which to feed. These beetles are unusually large Tenebrionids, the same large family as those beetles that produce the common mealworm, so care of these larva is refreshingly easy and they are quite prolific.
Blue Death Feigning Beetle Cryptoglossa verrucosus
These beetles were found along the Gila River bank in the Arizona desert. Typical size is slightly less than an inch. The coloration in person is just like that of a blueberry. We keep these in the conditions in which we keep most dung beetles, in moderately moist soil with plenty of decaying vegetation upon which to feed. When feigning death the legs are so rigid that these beetles may be stacked into geometric constructions which eventually 'wake up' and walk away. We recently found one of this species eating a katydid that had been run over by a car.
Xylorictes thestalus is an attractive medium sized rhinoceros beetle with one horn being carried by the males. Adults also feed well on apples and peaches.
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