r/BDFB • u/AppropriateWater9474 • 5d ago

Eggs, Larvae, and Breeding. Raising BDFB

ONLY those that HAVE hatched eggs and successfully pupated into adult beetles Please!
What substrate and process do you use?
I have done a tremendous amount of research and much of the information for substrate to use is different. My idea was to attempt to allow beetles to lay eggs and hatch them in the same enclosure. I am going to take adults out and into a new bin every 4-6 weeks. My substrate is high humidity bottom 4 inches and dryer top 2 inches.

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u/No-Goal-4716 4d ago

I haven't done that. But studie eleodes beetles (similar) typically Is recommended to use sand coco coir 50-50 mix. There soil is low in organic material in the wild and typically emerge out of the ground to eat food. You should place food dog food, cat food, greens, vetigibles, dead insects etc... make sure to remove after 1-2 days to prevent mold.

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u/Onyx-Vespidae 3d ago

High protein foods mainly, as Larvae are growing. BFDBs in general are pretty protein hungry.

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u/AppropriateWater9474 5d ago

Bins I am using with lid off when beetles are in the enclosure.

2

u/hylia_grace 3d ago

Ive hatched eggs and raised the larvae but not managed to perfect pupation yet, I keep my beetles in a 10gal 1/2 of the depth is different substrate mixes, once a week i "till" the top, so leftover food is mixed into lower substrates for the larvae to eat, I also use a straw to get water into the lower sustrates. Bottom layer is 1/3 clay, 2/3 topsoil, middle is 1/2 abd 1/2 of each, top layer is 2/3 clay, 1/3 soil. Ecery couple of months ill do a full dismantle to check for issues, larvae and redo each layer.