Care Guide: The Reddish-brown Stag Beetle (Lucanus capreolus)

Care Guide for the Reddish-brown Stag Beetle (Lucanus capreolus)

!~DISCLAIMER: IT IS HIGHLY ADVISED THAT YOU RESEARCH THIS PRODUCT BEFORE PURCHASE~!

The Reddish-brown Stag Beetle, scientifically known as Lucanus capreolus, is a captivating insect to care for. With its unique appearance and behaviors, proper care is essential to ensure its well-being. Below is an in-depth care guide to help you provide the best possible environment for your Reddish-brown Stag Beetle.

Habitat and Enclosure:

  • Tank Size: A tank or enclosure with dimensions around 10-15 gallons is suitable for a single Reddish-brown Stag Beetle. Ensure that the tank has enough vertical space for the beetle to climb and move around.

  • Substrate: Use a substrate of damp leaf litter, rotting wood, and soil. This substrate mimics the beetle's natural habitat and provides it with a place to burrow and lay eggs.

  • Humidity: Maintain a humidity level of around 70-80% to replicate the woodland environment the beetle thrives in. Mist the enclosure with water regularly to keep the substrate moist.

  • Temperature: Keep the temperature between 70-80°F (21-27°C). You can achieve this by using a heat mat placed under a portion of the tank.

Feeding:

  • Diet: The primary diet of Reddish-brown Stag Beetles consists of decaying wood and plant matter. Provide them with small pieces of rotting hardwood, such as oak or maple. You can also include fruits like apples or bananas for added variety.

  • Feeding Schedule: Replace the food every few days to ensure it remains fresh. Remove any uneaten food promptly to prevent mold growth.

Enrichment:

  • Wood: Offer various sizes of rotting wood pieces for the beetle to chew and burrow into. This replicates their natural behavior of living in decaying wood.

  • Climbing Surfaces: Provide branches and twigs to create climbing opportunities within the enclosure.

Breeding:

  • Mating: If you have both male and female beetles, they can mate in captivity. Separate the male and female after you are sure they've mated. Provide a larger enclosure for mating and egg-laying. The female can lay eggs within the substrate but mainly within rotted wood, so make sure to provide a suitable environment for this.

Maintenance:

  • Cleaning: Regularly remove uneaten food and any waste from the enclosure to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

  • Substrate Renewal: Replace a portion of the substrate every few months to prevent mold and bacterial growth.

Remember, the goal of keeping Reddish-brown Stag Beetles in captivity is to replicate their natural habitat as closely as possible. Observing their behaviors and interactions within the enclosure can be a rewarding experience. Always do thorough research and continue learning about their needs to provide the best care for these fascinating insects.