Pachnoda
Marginata Peregrina
(Kolbe, 1906)
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Scarabaeidae
Subfamily: Cetoniinae
Very beautiful species of flower beetle native to Africa (mainly Central Africa, Zaire, Sudan, Kenya and Congo).
It measures about 2 to 3cm. This species is brown in color (sometimes reddish) with a bright yellow and wider band around the entire pronotum and the outer edges of the elytra. Its rear third is completely yellow with the exception of two red-brown spots that can be connected to each other. It is a very active species and therefore pleasant to observe.
This is the most common subspecies of Pachnoda marginata . In fact, due to its ease of breeding and its prolificacy, it is often raised for its larvae which serve as food for reptiles or invertebrates. In this case, the Pachnoda marginata peregrina is often called "Dolas".
The marginated flower beetle is the most common species in breeding. It is particularly suitable for beginners because it is very pleasant to observe and very easy to raise.
For larvae : Boxes with ventilation. Provide a quantity of substrate adapted to the number of larvae, approximately 0.5L per larva.
For the nymphs : Once in the shell, you can either leave them in the same box as the larvae or transfer them to another ventilated container. To do this, you will need to reposition the shell in the substrate.
For adults: A terrarium adapted to the number of individuals. For 3 to 4 couples, provide a terrarium of 40x20x30 (LxWxH) with ventilation on the lid. Also provide about 10 to 15 cm of substrate and small branches for movement. The goal is therefore to have an adequate layer of substrate as well as an air space of at least 20 cm in height. Animals like to climb or fly.
The ground should not be completely flat because the beetles that fall on their backs die quickly because they can no longer turn around. It is therefore very important to fill it with bark, stones or other materials and not to flatten the substrate.
Temperature: For optimal conditions 23/24°C but breeding possible between 20°C and 28°C.
Humidity:
For larvae: Provide a slightly damp substrate.
During pupation: Provide a slightly drier substrate.
For adults: Provide a slightly damp substrate. If the terrarium is well ventilated, provide a small spray of water every 2 to 3 days.
Lighting: Conventional lighting required for adults (bulb, spotlight, tube, etc.) A lack of light can reduce or even make reproductions disappear.
For larvae: Classic flower beetle substrate: decomposed and crushed oak, beech or possibly chestnut leaves. The larvae are saproxylophagous and feed on decomposing materials (wood, leaves) . If the larvae lack food, there is a risk of dying them or obtaining small specimens. The substrate will need to be renewed as soon as there is too much excrement.
For adults: Fruits (mainly banana) or beetle jelly. Possible supplement with pollen. To be renewed as often as possible as soon as the food begins to deteriorate.
Incubation
ABOUT 1 to 2 weeks
Development
From 2 to 4 months
Nymphosis
1a 2 months
Imago lifespan
about 5 months
Sexing: The male has an abdominal groove while the female does not.
Prolificacy: Very high if optimal conditions.
Cycle duration: The duration of the cycles depends on the breeding temperature. The higher it is, the faster the cycle will be. The adults may be smaller.
Cannibalism: Absent
