Oberthur's Flower Beetle

Oberthur's Flower Beetle key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

Adults 3-6 months

Diet

Fruit, tree sap and beetle jelly

Temperature & Humidity

Its subgenus congener Mecynorhina torquata is reported to profit from cooler temperatures, so avoid a warm regime. Keep the substrate moist and let it run slightly drier through pupation.

Breeding & Egg-laying

Larvae grow on flake soil or a substrate of rotten wood and leaves. Protein additives such as Gammarus are said to help, but too much brings mites and mould. Set the female to lay in a deep bed of well-fermented substrate. No measured figure for clutch size has been published for this species.

Cohabitation

Males fight with their horns, so keep adults singly and put a pair together only for breeding. Larvae can be raised communally, but crowding at pupation leads to failures.

Lifespan & Rearing Period

In the subgenus congener Mecynorhina torquata, larval periods of twelve months to two years have been reported, so the spread is wide. No measured adult lifespan has been published for this species.

Health & Notes

Importing live beetles requires the species identification certificate demanded for live Scarabaeoidea. Both oberthuri and oberthueri are in use in the literature, so a different spelling on a price list may still mean the same beetle.

About Oberthur's Flower Beetle

Oberthur's Flower Beetle is a large species from Tanzania's forests, with males bearing a forward-pointing horn. Now bred across generations by hobbyists, it suits keepers with some experience.

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

1. 1Forest-Origin Habitat Needs

   Since this species comes from the forests of Tanzania, it does best in an enclosure that balances higher humidity with good airflow. A thick layer of leaf-mold-based substrate, kept from drying out, helps recreate conditions close to its natural habitat.

2. 2The Male's Distinctive Horn

   Males are easily identified by the horn projecting forward from the head, a feature females lack entirely. The horn's shape is set once the beetle reaches adulthood, so the individual you bring home will look the same throughout its adult life.

3. 3Suited to Intermediate Keepers

   This species is generally rated as suitable for intermediate keepers. It calls for a certain comfort with managing temperature and humidity, so it tends to suit those who have already kept other beetles rather than complete first-timers.

4. 4A Relatively Calm Temperament

   Flower beetles as a group tend to be calmer than many other beetles, and this species is no exception, without a notably aggressive nature. That said, it may take flight if startled, so make sure the enclosure lid is securely closed.

5. 5Larval-Stage Care Points

   During the larval stage, the beetle lives within the substrate and eventually begins preparing a pupal chamber before pupation. Disturbing the substrate heavily during this period can damage the chamber, so handle the setup carefully once you notice signs of this change.

6. 6Common in Its Native Range

   This species was once thought to be the rarest in its genus, but field research later showed it to be common in its native range. Captive-bred, multi-generation individuals are now widely available, making it easier to choose a beetle with a clear provenance.

7. 7Supplies to Prepare in Advance

   Before bringing one home, prepare a rearing case, insect substrate, and feeding jelly to keep it hydrated and fed. Depending on the season, you may also need a heater or cooling device, so it's worth checking the room temperature where the enclosure will be kept.

Frequently asked questions about Oberthur's Flower Beetle

Q.Can beginners keep this species?

A.This species is generally considered suitable for intermediate keepers. Because it calls for some familiarity with managing temperature and humidity, it's a good idea to gain experience with other beetles first.

Q.Is this species covered by CITES?

A.This species is not listed under CITES.

Q.Why was it once considered a "phantom" species?

A.It was long believed to be the rarest species in its genus. Later field surveys, however, showed that it is actually common in its native range, and that earlier reputation has since been revised.

Q.How can you tell males and females apart?

A.The clearest difference is the horn on the male's head. Females lack this horn entirely, and the head-to-thorax region tends to have a smoother outline as a result.

Q.What kind of setup does it need?

A.Since it originates from the forests of Tanzania, a well-ventilated case with leaf-mold-based substrate suits it well. It's worth checking the substrate's moisture level regularly to keep it from drying out or becoming overly damp.

Useful tools for Oberthur's Flower Beetle care

Learn more about Oberthur's Flower Beetle in the encyclopedia

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