Eudicella trilineata interruptefasciata
(Quedenfeldt, 1880)
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Scarabaeidae
Subfamily: Cetoniinae
Eudicella trilineata interruptefasciata is native to Tanzania and Malawi.
It measures about 2.5 to 3.5 cm. It is a little more colorful compared to other Eudicella. Its pronotum is a mixture of orange-red and green. Its elytra are yellow with two black spots on each of them with a black band in the middle. Sometimes the spots can be joined to form two lines. The legs are orange-red.
The larva has a brown/orange spot on the tip of its abdomen. This is often present in Eudicella.
There is a risk of cannibalism between the larvae if they lack food and are raised in too small a volume. They can also be raised individually to avoid any risk. This mainly concerns L3 larvae.
It is best to keep one male for every two females. Males may fight among themselves and disturb the female when she is feeding or laying eggs.
For larvae : Plastic boxes with ventilation. Provide a quantity of substrate adapted to the number of larvae.
For example, for 10 larvae: provide a box of at least 10L . To avoid the risk of cannibalism, it is possible to raise them individually.
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: Provide a terrarium adapted to the number of individuals. For 1 or 2 couples, provide a terrarium of 40x30x30 (LxWxH) with ventilation on the lid. Also provide about 10cm MINIMUM of substrate. (20 to 30 cm is better but you must plan the terrarium accordingly to leave at least 30cm of empty space) Remember to add branches for movement.
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 30°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 10-15 days
Development
From 2 months to 4 months
Nymphosis
1 month approximately
Imago lifespan
3 to 5 months
Sexing: The male Eudicella trilineata has a longitudinal groove on the ventral side of the abdomen as well as a horn.
Prolificacy, mating and laying: Average prolificacy if optimal conditions. A female lays approximately 20 to 40 eggs.
Cannibalism: Possible because if the larvae lack food and if they are in a reduced volume there is a risk of cannibalism. Especially at the L3 stage. Higher risk of cannibalism than other Eudicella.
