Xylotrupes gideon gideon Larvae | Xylotrupes gideon
Plan the habitat for the adult animal, with secure housing and room to carry out its natural behaviour.
At a Glance
| Origin & natural habitat |
Confirm the precise species and its natural habitat with our team. |
| Adult size |
Confirm adult size for the exact species before choosing housing. |
| Lifespan |
Varies with species, sex and husbandry; confirm the expected commitment. |
| Temperament |
Individuals vary; allow time to settle before any handling. |
| Activity |
Activity varies; give the animal sheltered resting places. |
| Social needs |
House individually. |
Housing & Setup
Enclosure dimensions are length × depth × height unless stated otherwise. Plan for the adult animal; larger, suitably furnished housing is encouraged.
| Adult housing |
Confirm container volume for the species and larval stage. Use individual rearing containers where appropriate, with enough depth and volume to feed, grow and pupate; an adult display terrarium is a separate setup. |
| Enclosure type |
Ventilated rearing container with nutritious species-appropriate larval substrate. |
| Temperature |
Confirm the species-specific temperature gradient with our team before purchase. |
| Lighting & UVB |
Normal day/night cycle; no specialist UVB is required. |
| Humidity / moisture |
Confirm the humidity and moisture requirements of the species supplied. |
| Substrate |
Suitable decomposed hardwood/leaf-based or prepared beetle larval substrate, selected for the exact species. Plain coconut coir is not a complete food substrate. |
| Furnishings & filtration |
Edible rearing substrate; leave space for a stable pupation chamber. |
Behaviour & Compatibility
Keep handling minimal and avoid disturbing the substrate once pupation begins. Confirm whether this species and stage should be housed individually.
Feeding & Nutrition
The larva feeds within its nutritious rearing substrate. Use the species-appropriate decomposed leaf/wood or prepared beetle substrate and replenish it as required, retaining some established material. Adult beetle jelly or fruit is not a substitute for larval food. Confirm the substrate recipe and any supplemental food with our team.
Routine Care
Check substrate moisture and ventilation; keep it moist rather than waterlogged. Replenish food substrate before it is exhausted and leave a formed pupation chamber undisturbed.
Important Before Buying
This listing is for a larva. Larval duration, adult size and lifespan differ, and the care changes on emergence. Confirm species, stage, rearing substrate and expected development before purchase.
Live Animals Are Click & Collect Only
We do not ship live animals. Order online and wait for confirmation that your animal is ready before collecting from Newlands Home and Garden Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Have the enclosure prepared and its conditions checked before collection.