Eudicella gralli hubini
(Allard, 1991)
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Scarabaeidae
Subfamily: Cetoniinae
Genus: Eudicella
Eudicella gralli hubini is a superb species with bright colours. It has white and green bands on the elytra. Its pronotum is green with orange highlights. The male measures about 3 to 4 cm. The female is slightly smaller and measures about 3 to 3.5cm . The particularity of this species is the horn of the male which is very imposing.
At birth the larva measures about 7 mm and about 7 cm towards the last stages. It has a brown/orange spot on the end of its abdomen. This is often present in Eudicella .
The shells are often made at the bottom of the substrate and are attached to the walls.
It is found in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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.
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.
The larvae are sent in individual boxes to avoid cannibalism during transport. As a result, shipping costs are higher than for other species.
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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 advisable 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 approximately 40x30x40 (LxWxH) with ventilation on the lid. Also provide approximately 15-20cm MINIMUM of substrate. 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 around 25°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 killing them or of obtaining small specimens. The substrate will need to be renewed as soon as there is too much excrement. This species seems to appreciate a protein supply at the L3 stage,
For adults: Fruits (mainly banana) or beetle jelly. Renew as often as possible as soon as the food starts to deteriorate.
Incubation
ABOUT 10 days
Development
About 7 months
Nymphosis
about 2 months
Imago lifespan
4 to 5 months
Sexing: Sexing adult Eudicella gralli hubini is easy since males have a clearly visible forked horn. Females are slightly smaller than males and do not have a horn.
Prolificacy, mating and laying: Average prolificacy if optimal conditions.
Cannibalism: Very high risk of cannibalism.
