Derby's Flower Beetle (Dicronorhina derbyana derbyana)
| Derby's Flower Beetle Dicronorhina derbyana derbyana | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Derby's Flower Beetle |
| Name Lat. | Dicronorhina derbyana derbyana |
| Synonym | Dicronorhina derbyana |
| Family | Scarab Beetles |
| Family lat. | Scarabaeidae |
| Order | Beetles |
| Order lat. | Coleoptera |
| Origin | Southern Africa |
| Habitat | Shrub savanna |
| Diet | Fruits, beetle jelly |
| Humidity | 60-80 % |
| Behavior | ♂ territorial |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Housing | Semi humid terrarium |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 2-3 months |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 30-55 mm |
| Temperature Day | 22-25 °C |
| Temperature Night | 18-22 °C |
| Housing Size | 40 x 30 x 30 cm |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.2"-2.2" |
| Temperature Day | 72-77 °F |
| Temperature Night | 64-72 °F |
| Housing Size | 15" x 10" x 10" |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution range of the diurnal emerald rose beetles extends from Angola and Namibia through Zambia and South Africa to Kania and Tanzania. There they live in the rather dry bush and shrub savannahs.
Maintenance
A terrarium of e.g. 40 x 30 x 30 cm (L x W x H) is recommended. A hinged lid terrarium or an aquarium with a tightly closing lid made of the finest gauze is best suited. The terrarium should be placed in a quiet place without direct sunlight
The substrate, at least 10 cm deep, should consist of a slightly moist deciduous forest or terrarium humus mixed with a little white rotted wood, with the bottom layer (about 5 cm) well compacted. On top of this Flake Soil and/or some foliage for cover (shelter and hiding places), some branches for climbing and erection, and pieces of bark or moss cushions to maintain humidity.
At least once a week the terrarium should be finely sprayed inside (humidity), waterlogging and mold is to be avoided at all costs
| Temp. day: 22-25 °C | Temp. night: 18-22 °C | Humidity: 60-80 |
The lighting duration should be 8-10 hrs. Daylight fluorescent tubes supplemented with spotlights that generate the necessary heat are ideal.
Diet
The food for adult beetles (imagines) consists of ripe fruit, especially suitable are bananas, apples, pears and mangoes, maple syrup and Beetle Jelly. With fruit and maple syrup they cover their liquid needs. Citrus fruits are not suitable.
The larvae feed on deciduous forest humus and white rotten wood, shredded as finely as possible for better absorption, or on Flake Soil (fermented wood substrate)
It is recommended to feed two to three times a week, too little feeding leads to cannibalism among the larvae. A regular and varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.
Reproduction and breeding
Males are slightly larger than females and easily recognized by their "T-shaped" horn on the forehead.
After mating, the female lays about 20 eggs in the bottom substrate
The generation time is 10-12 months depending on the temperature, but the male larvae develop much slower.
The life expectancy of the imagines can be 2-3 months.
Important
They can fly and, like all rose chafer beetles, have their cover wings closed.
A certain amount of moisture in the food is important, because the animals only take in the required liquid through their food.
A sufficiently deep substrate is essential, as the substrate is both food and habitat for the larvae. A regular substrate exchange is necessary, whereby the intervals can be several months depending on the stocking
The terrarium must have good ventilation without drafts and must meet the species-specific needs. Measuring devices such as thermometers, hygrometers, etc. are necessary. The lighting has to correspond to the species-specific day-night rhythm and has to be placed in such a way that the animals cannot injure themselves. The terrarium should be locked in such a way that neither unauthorized persons can open it nor the animals can escape. Contamination must be removed regularly
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: HENKEL & SCHMIDT (2010): Taschenatlas Wirbellose für das Terrarium, Ulmer Verlag; ENGELMAN & LANGE (2011): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Wirbellose, Verlag Harri Deutsch