This is how rhinoceros beetles live - information on larvae, housing and development

This is how rhinoceros beetles live - information on larvae, housing and development

the essentials in brief

  • Rhinoceros beetle larvae are extremely useful, especially in compost
  • Rhinoceros beetles are threatened with extinction and are therefore under protection
  • The beetles often settle in the compost heap by themselves, provided that it is sufficiently moist and the garden is free of pesticides

Rhinoceros beetle larva - interesting facts about the white grubs

rhino beetle

Every discovery of a rhinoceros beetle larva in the compost is an unmistakable indication of the garden's high ecological value. Female rhinoceros beetle are very picky when it comes to choosing a biotope or compost heap as a nursery. The ecological balance has to be in order and all framework conditions are right so that expectant beetle mothers even consider a garden as a larval habitat. Accordingly, hobby gardeners rarely experience close encounters with the precious natural treasures. The following table summarizes important information and identifying features of a rhinoceros beetle larva:

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average information
size8 to 12 cm
colourwhitish to cream-colored
body shapecylindrical
postureCurved in a C-shape
Front areabrown head capsule, 3 long legs
surfacesegmented
lifespan3 to 5 years
habitatCompost, wood sludge, pruning
foodCellulose, wood fiber, fibrous material
protectedYes
threatened with extinctionNo

Have you discovered larvae in the compost and identified them as rhinoceros beetle grubs? Then it is not possible to differentiate between males and females in this development phase. It is only when a larva has pupated and transformed into an adult rhinoceros beetle that clear distinguishing features become apparent. The following profile provides more detailed information on gender determination.

Rhinoceros beetle female - information about a wonder of nature

Rhinoceros beetle females have to hurry because the time is limited to find a suitable male and the ideal location for laying eggs. After hatching as a finished beetle, the lifespan extends to four to six weeks. As a rule, rhinoceros beetles remain in the egg-sized cocoon for some time and wait until the flight time begins at the end of May. At dusk, females and males finally leave their previous home and go on their wedding flight.

rhino beetle

The female rhinoceros beetle critically select the strongest male as the father of their offspring. Only those who can assert themselves victoriously against all rivals may mate with a female. The egg laying takes place in midsummer. Before this, the female beetle carefully examines possible locations. Quiet gardens with a healthy ecosystem are shortlisted as a nursery. Correctly laid out compost heaps with abundant decomposed wood fibers have the best chances as ideal larval food.

The female rhinoceros beetle no longer bother about the 30 or so deposited eggs and the resulting larvae. The rotting process in the compost creates sufficiently high temperatures for the grubs to develop healthily. Immediately after laying their eggs, the lady beetles have fulfilled their life's work and die. As a rule, the males have exhaled their short and intense life some time before.

Buy rhinoceros beetle - is that possible?

In Germany, rhinoceros beetles are an endangered species under the Federal Nature Conservation Act. According to § 44 BNatSchG, it is illegal to catch, injure or even kill the larvae and beetles. Furthermore, their natural habitat must not be destroyed in order to ensure unhindered development. In connection with this, it is strictly forbidden to remove, buy or sell rhinoceros beetle larvae or beetles from nature. The need for protection of the rare beetles is underpinned in most federal states by including rhinoceros beetles on the red list.

In Germany you will not find any serious dealers or legal sources of purchase for rhinoceros beetles or their larvae. For good reason, because disregard of the legal protection regulations can be punished with fines of up to 50,000 euros. Please ignore illegal offers to buy on the Internet on free classifieds portals from pseudo-pet dealers. The joy of the temptingly low price for a rhinoceros beetle does not last long, because in the worst case, a hefty bill for the fine will follow.

Digression

Japanese rhinoceros beetle - giant from Asia

The Japanese rhinoceros beetle with the scientific name Allomyrina dichotomus is only distantly related to the European common rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes nasicornis). Both species of beetle belong to the scarab beetle family, but go separate ways in terms of genus, size and range. Allomyrina dichotomus is the largest beetle in Japan with an impressive length of up to 5.4 centimeters. Males boast a huge, forked horn that can grow to an inch long. In contrast to Germany, the trade in rhinoceros beetles is traditionally allowed in Japan and is a flourishing business for pet shops.

Rhinoceros beetle keeping - instructions for the garden

rhino beetle

The keeping of rhinoceros beetles is closely linked to the strict provisions of the Federal Nature Conservation Act. Buying or otherwise taking possession is not allowed. Animal-loving and environmentally conscious home gardeners do not consider this option anyway, because keeping rhinoceros beetles as pets is against nature and is associated with a high level of stress for the animals. By cultivating the garden ecologically and creating perfect compost, you are applying to female rhinoceros beetle as the ideal habitat. The following criteria must be taken to heart for a competent rhinoceros beetle keeping in the garden:

Poison-free gardening

Rhinoceros beetle females on the approach turn away immediately if they smell pesticides and other environmental toxins. Those who have practiced poison-free gardening in their green realm for a number of years agree that the expectant beetle mothers have been weighed. We have compiled the most important cornerstones for a natural garden for you below:

  • no use of chemical insecticides, weed killers and other pesticides
  • varied planting with native wildflowers, grasses and perennials
  • Nutrient supply of the plants with organic fertilizers (compost, plant manure)
  • Fight diseases and pests with home remedies (lice with a soap solution, powdery mildew with milk-water)

Rhinoceros beetle females have a soft spot for natural gardens with native trees and shrubs. Knowing that the offspring like to eat decomposing wood. Do not throw away clippings, even if the amount is too large for compost. In a quiet garden niche, simply pile up leaves, small twigs, and chopped twigs in a pile. Not only female beetles can resist this invitation. Other beneficial insects are happy about the retreat, such as hedgehogs.

Create beetle-friendly compost

The compost heap plays a key role in a rhinoceros beetle-friendly garden. The scarab beetles have long since conquered small and large house gardens as potential larval habitats. Long-term field observations by interested entomologists have shown that compost that has been created competently is at the top of the ranking of suitable locations for egg-laying. The following list provides the fundamental framework conditions for compost as a nursery for rhinoceros beetle grubs:

  • partially shaded to shady location, preferably under the canopy of trees or large shrubs
  • direct ground contact for unimpeded digging activities
  • Covering the bottom with vole mesh to protect against moles
  • Create a lower layer of coarse materials such as shrubs or trees
  • Load up variedly with uncooked kitchen and shredded garden waste
  • Preferably use straw, leaves or litter as intermediate layers

The more decomposing cellulose is used, the richer the food for rhinoceros beetle grubs in the compost. Shredded wooden furniture is only suitable for composting if it does not contain any chemical glaze, varnish or paint. As food for hungry rhinoceros beetle larvae in the compost, paper is only an option if it is not printed newsprint or leftovers from glossy magazines.

Maintain compost heaps properly

rhino beetle

Constant moisture is essential for keeping rhinoceros beetles in compost. The fat grubs in particular are dependent on a regular water supply. On hot, dry summer days, please visit the compost heap and its residents with a watering can or garden hose. In addition, you cover the organic material with breathable compost fleece.

Do not convert compost with larvae any more

Larvae are mostly discovered in the compost when the organic material is converted and sieved for the purpose of oxygen supply. After a find, please modify the maintenance of the compost heap in accordance with the special conditions for the habitat and species protection of rhinoceros beetles. Collect the sieved larvae by hand. Put the natural jewels on the semi-ripe compost heap as quickly as possible. Please place cocoons or adult beetles in waiting positions for the upcoming flight time on the sieved material so that they can free themselves more easily. From now on, the compost heap in question should no longer be rearranged or sieved. Instead, set up a second composting area, which from now on supplies you with the natural fertilizer.

Keeping runner ducks and rhinoceros beetles on a property does not turn out well for the beetles and larvae. The prey pattern of Indian runner ducks does not only include nudibranchs. Unimpressed, the funny snail hunters devour a valuable rhinoceros beetle grub. So that you don't have to choose between the two natural treasures, simply fence the composting area. Running ducks are among the flightless water birds and respect at least 150 centimeters of fencing as a territorial boundary.

Differentiating rhinoceros beetle males and females

Rhinoceros beetle males brag about their characteristic horn when they impress rivals or compete with them in a fight. Furthermore, the beetle masters proudly present the mighty rhinoceros when they vie for the favor of their loved ones. Females only sport a mini horn. Horn size and shape are not the only attributes of the beetle giants. The following profile summarizes important properties of rhinoceros beetles with information on sex determination:

  • Insect family : scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae)
  • Genus and species : Species within the genus giant beetle (Oryctes nasicornis)
  • Distribution areas : Central and Southern Europe, North Africa, Central and East Asia
  • Beetle size : 20 to 40 mm
  • Beetle body : cylindrical, dark brown, glossy chestnut-brown elytra, hairy underneath
  • Male horn : large, 10 mm long, curved back horn on the top of the head
  • female horn : small, inconspicuous hump
  • Pronotum male : ridge-shaped elevation at the back, three raised cusps in the middle
  • Pronotum females : smooth, without recognizable elevations
  • Lifespan as an imago : 4 to 6 weeks
  • Sleep-wake rhythm : crepuscular, nocturnal
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Rhinoceros beetles have adapted their habitat in Germany and Europe with an ingenious survival strategy. The giant beetles originally lived in the forests that covered our continent. Preferably in dead tree trunks and thick branches of old trees, beetles and white grubs settled comfortably in the wooden mole. In the course of the settlement activities by humans and the associated decline in forest areas, the clever survivors followed humans. As a cultural follower, rhinoceros beetles have discovered private gardens, parks and biotopes as new habitats.

Rhinoceros beetle male without horn

Little rhinoceros beetle males use an ingenious strategy to still get a chance with the females. Since the beetle tots would be hopelessly inferior in battle, they forego an imposing rhino. At first glance, the masters of camouflage look like a female rhinoceros beetle. The cunning strategists use this advantage and smuggle themselves undetected among the ladies. While large males fight fierce battles, the small conspecifics mate calmly with the females.

Tips

An encounter with rhinoceros beetles is primarily enjoyed by home gardeners in eastern German federal states and in mild, low-lying areas. Due to the very different distribution of the giant beetles in Germany, the discovery of rhinoceros beetle larvae in compost is considered a horticultural sensation in western federal states. The situation is comparable to ladybird larvae, which occur locally in greater numbers and have become extinct in some regions.

frequently asked Questions

We found rhinoceros beetle larvae in the compost. What to do?

Enjoy the find, because as an environmentally friendly gardener you have done everything right. A lot of calm and even more patience are required before the big grubs turn into magnificent rhinoceros beetles. The lifespan from larva to imago extends over three to five years. During this time, when composting, pay attention to important basic conditions, such as constant moisture and direct contact with the ground. Do not move the compost heap anymore. You can immediately put the rhinoceros beetle larvae again in semi-ripe compost so that they can dig in quickly.

What do rhinoceros beetles eat?

A rhinoceros beetle larva feeds mainly on rotting wood, such as cuttings from trees and bushes, sawdust or bark mulch. The preferred habitat of larvae is the compost heap in the near-natural garden, if there is plenty of fibrous material that has not come into contact with pesticides or similar toxins. Whether adult rhinoceros beetle females or males eat food at all during their short lives is a matter of controversy among experts. Presumably the magnificent beetles cover their energy needs with tree sap. Fresh greens, such as flowers, vegetables or perennials, are therefore not on the giant beetle's menu.

Can rhinoceros beetles fly?

Rhinoceros beetle larvae go through a two to five year development phase before they leave their cocoons as fully grown beetles. For a short lifespan of four to six or seven weeks, females and males can fly so they can find each other and mate. The main flight time is from late May to early / mid-June, preferably at dusk.

Are rhinoceros beetle larvae dangerous for the plants in the garden?

rhino beetle

Rhinoceros beetle larvae feed mainly on dead wood, decomposing cellulose or bark mulch. Thanks to a special intestinal flora, the grubs can easily digest the tough material that other insects get stuck in their throats. The larvae despise living plant material from flowers, shrubs or vegetables. There is therefore no need to take countermeasures if there are rhino beetle larvae in the compost.

While sieving compost, we fell into the hands of a huge cocoon, which probably contains a rhinoceros beetle. How should we proceed now?

Between the ages of 3 and 5 years, rhinoceros beetles have gone through all three larval stages. The grubs then pupate in cocoons the size of hen's eggs, which they assemble themselves from sawdust, cellulose and clay. The young beetles stay in a cocoon until they hatch and the wedding flight begins at the end of May / beginning of June. Carefully take the cocoon in your hand and place it a few centimeters deep in the sifted compost soil. The finer material makes it easier for the beetles to hatch and escape. Postpone using the fertilizer in the garden until the rhinoceros beetles have left the heap.

How long does a rhinoceros beetle live?

An adult rhinoceros beetle is not granted a short life of four to six weeks. The development from egg to adult beetle, however, takes up to five years, consisting of three larval stages and one pupation in the cocoon. The fully trained rhinoceros beetles hatch in late spring and remain in the protective cocoon for some time. At the end of May / beginning of June, males and females fly out to look after offspring. The rhinoceros beetles perish by the end of July / beginning of August at the latest.

Where can you buy a Japanese rhinoceros beetle? What does a live beetle cost?

In Japan there is a real hype about the Japanese rhinoceros beetle, also known as the samurai beetle. Traditionally, the largest species of beetle in Japan is one of the most popular pets. Most pet stores have Allomyrina dichotomus or a subspecies in their standard range. In Germany, a few exotic beetle dealers offer live Japanese rhinoceros beetles and their larvae for sale. The price for a live beetle is 10 to 12 euros. Third instar larvae cost around 8 euros. Since the Asian beetle species is not native to Germany, it is not subject to the Federal Nature Conservation Act.

Tips

Rhinoceros beetles are considered the weightlifters in the beetle kingdom. In fact, scientists recognize the jewel beetles as the world's strongest animal species based on their relative weight. Adult females and fully developed males can lift 850 times their body weight. If a person wanted to keep up, he would have to shoulder a full 55 tons.