Derby's Flower Beetle

Derby's Flower Beetle key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

2-4 months as an adult

Size

Males 40-50mm, females 35-38mm

Temperature

25〜26℃

Diet

Adults take beetle jelly and fruit; larvae feed on fermented substrate

Temperature & Humidity

Keep them at about 26C, with 25C regarded as ideal; below 20C the beetles slow down and losses increase. Keep the substrate on the dry side, and reduce the humidity further during pupation.

Breeding & Egg-laying

Adults start feeding about two weeks after eclosion and mature roughly a month after that. Eggs are laid in a fermented-substrate set like the one used for rhinoceros beetles, and a productive female lays around 200 eggs in her life. Larvae build a cocoon after 8-12 months and eclose about two months later.

Cohabitation

Larvae can be kept together, though one per litre of substrate is recommended. Adult males fight with their horns, so keep them apart except for pairing.

Lifespan & Rearing Period

The full life cycle takes 8-9 months and adults live 3-4 months, with 2-4 months also reported in captivity, so either way the adult lives less than a year.

Health & Notes

A mature male gives off a peach-like scent, which serves as a sign that he is ready. Importing live stock requires the species identification certificate demanded for Scarabaeoidea. Because the subspecies differ in colour, do not cross beetles from different subspecies or localities.

About Derby's Flower Beetle

Derby's Flower Beetle features a glossy green body with white stripes and a T-shaped horn on males. Easy to breed across generations, it's a popular beginner species among exotic flower beetles.

7 things to know before welcoming a Derby's Flower Beetle

1. 1Adult Lifespan: 2-4 Months

   Adults typically live for about two to four months. Since this window is relatively short, it's worth checking in on your beetle regularly during this stage.

2. 2The Male's Signature Horn

   Males are best known for their flattened, T-shaped head horn. Females lack this horn entirely, giving the two sexes a noticeably different look.

3. 3Easy to Breed, Great Starter Species

   This species is relatively easy to breed across generations, making it approachable for first-time keepers of exotic flower beetles. It's also a good choice if you want to experience the full cycle from egg-laying to adult emergence.

4. 4Mature Males Have a Distinct Scent

   Mature males can give off a sweet, peach-like scent. This is a natural characteristic of the species, so it helps to know about it in advance.

5. 5Males Run Slightly Larger

   Adults measure roughly 40-50mm for males and 35-38mm for females. Keep these sizes in mind when choosing an enclosure and arranging its layout.

6. 6Beginner-Friendly Care Level

   This species is considered beginner-friendly in terms of care difficulty. With basic beetle-keeping supplies and a suitable setup, day-to-day care is manageable even for first-timers.

7. 7Active by Day, Easy to Observe

   Many flower beetles, including this species, are active during the day, making their movements easy to watch. Arranging feeding spots and climbing branches thoughtfully lets you enjoy their lively behavior.

Frequently asked questions about Derby's Flower Beetle

Q.Is Derby's Flower Beetle suitable for beginners?

A.Yes, it's generally considered beginner-friendly. With a basic beetle-keeping setup, most newcomers can care for it without difficulty.

Q.How long do the adults live?

A.Adults live for roughly two to four months. Because this stage is relatively brief, it's worth observing them closely during this time.

Q.How can I tell males and females apart?

A.Males have a flattened, T-shaped head horn, while females have none. Males are also slightly larger at 40-50mm compared to 35-38mm for females.

Q.Is it normal for mature males to give off a scent?

A.No, this is normal. Mature males of this species commonly give off a sweet, peach-like scent.

Q.Is it difficult to breed this species across generations?

A.Breeding is relatively easy, which is why this species is often treated as a starter for exotic flower beetles. It's a good way to experience the full cycle from egg-laying to the next generation's emergence.

Useful tools for Derby's Flower Beetle care

Learn more about Derby's Flower Beetle in the encyclopedia

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