Dicronorhina Micans
(Drury, 1773)
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Scarabaeidae
Subfamily: Cetoniinae
Genus: Dicronorrhina
One of the largest subspecies of Dicronorhina.
The female Dicronorhina micans generally measures between 35 and 45 mm in length, the male 40 to 55 mm. This species has an exoskeleton exhibiting a magnificent emerald green hue with metallic reflections, sometimes iridescent with blue or golden nuances.
Dicronorrhina larvae have a much larger body relative to the head (compared to other flower beetle species). They also have the particularity of having hair.
The shells are made in the middle of the substrate and are not attached to the walls . They are not smooth because they are made with large elements of the substrate (or excrement for example).
The distribution of Dicronorhina micans extends mainly in West and Central Africa, covering countries such as Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The cycle is longer than most other species to start. Be careful of excess humidity for the substrate of the larvae (Risk of mortality) and the shells (Risk of malformation). Favor a substrate that is drier than usual.
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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 Dicronorhina micans larvae, provide a box of at least 10L. At the L3 stage, it is possible to provide 1.5L per larva, in order to avoid renewing the substrate too often.
For shells: It is possible to leave the shell in the breeding box of the larval stage . Otherwise it can be transferred to another box. In all cases, the container must be properly ventilated.
For adults: Provide a terrarium adapted to the number of individuals. For 2 couples, provide a terrarium of approximately 50x40x50 (LxWxH) with ventilation on the lid. Also provide approximately 20cm of substrate minimum. Also provide 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 28°C.
Humidity:
For larvae: provide a very slightly damp/dry substrate.
During pupation: provide a slightly drier substrate.
For adults: Provide a very slightly damp substrate. If the terrarium is well ventilated, provide a little spray of water every 2 to 3 days.
Lighting: Classic lighting required for adults (bulb, spotlight, tube, etc.)
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). The larvae can appreciate a mixture of "classic" fine substrate with a coarser substrate. They will transform into shells more easily. To obtain larger imagos, it is possible to add 10% horse manure. (Be careful of mold development)
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 2 weeks
Development
From 8 to 10 months
Nymphosis
2 months approximately
Imago lifespan
3 to 5 months
Sexing: The male Dicronorhina micans has a horn at the end of its head. The female does not have one, she has a flat head for "rummaging" in the substrate and she is smaller than the male.
Prolificacy/Reproduction: Low prolificacy compared to other Dicronorhina . If conditions are good, it is possible to obtain 20 - 30 larvae per female or even more in some cases. The first spawning takes place 2 to 4 weeks after hatching. Males tend to fight, plan for 2 females for 1 male.
Cannibalism: Absent
