Insect Habitat Setup Guide: Cases & Substrate

Proper keeping conditions are necessary for healthy, long-lived beetles and stag beetles. Here's a guide to selecting basic items and setting up the environment.

Choosing a Keeping Container

Plastic containers are standard for insect keeping. Balance between ventilation and moisture retention is key.

• Single adult keeping: Small to medium container with fruit fly prevention features (width approximately 2–3 times body length)
• Pair keeping/spawning setup: Large container (ideally 20cm+ deep)
• Larval keeping: Fungal bottles (stag beetles) or plastic containers with fermented substrate (beetles)

Fruit fly prevention sheets or containers with fruit fly-proof lids are convenient.

Types of Substrate and Selection

Substrates need to be chosen differently depending on the species and purpose.

Adult Management Substrate - **Hardwood dry substrate**: Low moisture retention, requires regular misting - **Degassed fermented substrate**: Good moisture retention, easy to use for adults too

Spawning/Larval Substrate - **Fermented substrate (secondary fermentation or higher)**: Essential for beetle larvae and some stag beetle spawning - **Fine-particle substrate**: Easy to use for spawning setups - **Unfermented (white) substrate**: Not suitable for spawning. Use only for adult management

Basic Setup Procedure

1. Spread substrate 5–10cm thick at the bottom of the container
2. Mist with a spray bottle (moist enough to hold shape when squeezed)
3. Add anti-tip materials (bark pieces, wood chips — adults expend energy when tipped over)
4. Set up food dish and jelly
5. Close the lid ensuring adequate ventilation

Temperature and Humidity Management

• Beetles: 25–28°C optimal. Sensitive to both high and low temperatures
• Stag beetles (domestic): 20–25°C. High summer temperatures (above 30°C) pose death risk
• Foreign stag beetles: Optimal temperature varies by species. Confirm when purchasing
• Humidity: Mist 1–2 times per week to prevent substrate from drying out

Find Insects on Bri-Choku

Once your setup is ready, welcome your favorite insects. Bri-Choku's insect category features listings from experienced breeders who can also offer setup advice.