Reddish-Brown Stag Beetle (Lucanus capreolus) Larva

Description

Second or third instar (L2-L3) captive born and bred larva of the Reddish-Brown Stag Beetle, Lucanus capreolus. Unsexed. Shipped individually in 16oz deli cups of flake soil which should last as their food source for 2-3 months. Larvae have 3 distinct larval phases, or instars, separated by molts where their head capsule will noticeably enlarge. L1 (larval phase 1) lasts roughly a month after hatching; L2 lasts 1-2 months; L3 typically lasts for 10-22 months. The pupal stage takes 1-2 months before eclosing into an adult. Adults will remain dormant for 4-6 months after eclosing, and benefit from being kept at cooler temperatures during that time.

In their larval form, they eat decayed hardwood or flake soil. Like many stag beetles, these larvae prefer lightly packed, moist substrate where they will tunnel and eat. Third instar (L3) larvae should be upgraded to 24oz or larger containers. Larvae should be checked on every 2-3 months and substrate refreshed when lots of frass is visible on the surface. Included with each larva will be a “beetle birth certificate” which details important dates in your larva’s life.