Micans flower beetle

Micans flower beetle key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

Adults about 3 months (about 10 months per generation)

Size

Males 40-60mm, females 40-50mm

Diet

Adults take nectar and ripe fruit; larvae eat humus-rich substrate

Temperature & Humidity

There is little numeric temperature data for this species. Being from tropical Africa, keep it out of winter cold and do not let the substrate dry out.

Enclosure

Adults are active in the daytime, so use a well-ventilated enclosure with climbing wood and perches.

Food & Feeding

In the wild adults eat nectar and overripe fruit. Offer beetle jelly or fruit and remove leftovers before they spoil.

Breeding & Egg-laying

Females lay in the substrate and larvae hatch in about two weeks. Larvae of the genus grow in soil rich in decaying plant matter, so rear them in well-fermented substrate.

Lifespan & Rearing Period

The larval stage lasts about five months and the pupal stage about two, and adults live about three months, giving roughly ten months per generation.

Health & Notes

Flower chafers are named among the insects whose live import the Plant Protection Act bans. Importing foreign stag and rhinoceros beetles is regulated by the Plant Protection Act and the Invasive Alien Species Act (species-name certificate), with each species needing clearance from the Plant Protection Station, so domestically bred stock is the safe choice. Never release captive beetles.

About Micans flower beetle

Discover the Micans flower beetle: a large, metallic-green species with a striking T-shaped horn on males. Learn about its lifespan, care difficulty, and what to know before bringing one home.

7 things to know before welcoming a Micans flower beetle

1. 1Largest in Its Group

   Among the four species in its group, the Micans flower beetle is the largest. Males grow to 40–60mm and females to 40–50mm, giving it an impressively substantial build for a flower beetle.

2. 2Striking Metallic Coloring

   Its greatest appeal is the metallic green sheen tinged with gold and blue that covers its whole body. The color appears to shift with the angle of light, making it a visually rewarding species to keep and observe.

3. 3The Male's T-Shaped Horn

   Males have a flat, T-shaped horn on the head, which females lack, making it an easy way to tell the sexes apart. If you keep several together, watch how the individuals are doing and manage them accordingly.

4. 4A Short Adult Stage

   Adults are active for roughly three months, which is relatively short compared to many other insects. Since the time you get to observe them as adults is limited, it's important to keep daily temperature and feeding conditions stable from the start.

5. 5A Ten-Month Life Cycle

   A full life cycle from egg to adult takes about ten months, reflecting a relatively long larval stage. The adult stage you actually get to enjoy is only part of that span, so it helps to plan your care with a longer time horizon in mind.

6. 6Suited to Experienced Keepers

   This species is generally considered suitable for keepers with some experience rather than complete beginners. It's a good idea to be comfortable with the basics of substrate management and temperature control before bringing one home.

7. 7Native to Tropical Africa

   Its natural habitat is tropical forest in Africa, so it has evolved to live in a forested environment. When setting up its enclosure, it helps to avoid direct sunlight and choose a location that loosely reflects its native forest conditions.

Frequently asked questions about Micans flower beetle

Q.How long do adult Micans flower beetles live?

A.Adults are active for roughly three months. Looking at the full life cycle from egg to adult, the entire process takes about ten months.

Q.How can you tell males and females apart?

A.Males have a flat, T-shaped horn on the head, while females do not. Their size also differs slightly, with males reaching 40–60mm and females 40–50mm.

Q.Is this beetle suitable for beginners?

A.This species is considered suitable for keepers with some experience rather than complete beginners. If it's your first time keeping insects, it's a good idea to learn the basics of care before bringing one home.

Q.Can multiple males be kept together?

A.There isn't much documented information on how males behave toward one another, so if you house several in the same enclosure, keep a close eye on them. If they seem unsettled, separate them into different cases as needed.

Q.What should it be fed?

A.Adults are commonly kept on insect jelly as a main food source. Larvae feed on leaf mold or fermented substrate instead, requiring different care than the adult stage.

Useful tools for Micans flower beetle care

Learn more about Micans flower beetle in the encyclopedia

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