Beetle (Mallodon downesi) Family- Tribe- Mallodontini.

They originate from Tanzania. Surprizingly, females have longer mandibles then males!

When breeding this specie, or any other Stag beetle, it is very important to proved them with at least 15cm deep soil, which should be compressed down by hand. They lay their eggs in rotten wood, so most of the time females will not lay eggs at all until rotten wood is present.

Females: get 2 1/4inches (5 7/10cm) long.

Males: get 2 1/8inches (5 4/10cm) long.

Status: Unfortunately, these beetles were sent already in Dry Form, not alive as i originally ordered! Looking for some live ones/ larvas.

Diet: Larva; Oak, Chestnut and Birch. Beetles; Apples, Bananas, etc. especially soft sugary foods.

Male.

Female.

Female on the left, male on the right.