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Pachnoda massajae
Pachnoda massajae
( Gestro, 1881 )
Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Arthropoda
Class : Insecta
Order : Coleoptera
Family : Scarabaeidae
Subfamily : Cetoniinae
Genus : Pachnoda
Pachnoda massajae is a species that appeared relatively recently in breeding. Very close morphologically to Pachnoda iskuulka, it measures on average about 2 cm in adulthood. It is distinguished by a bright yellow pronotum, contrasting with black elytra adorned with yellow to reddish spots, generally not very intense. The shape, size and coloration of the patterns can vary significantly from one individual to another, making each specimen unique. This species is native to eastern Africa, and is found in particular in Somaliland and Ethiopia.
Features:
Species not recommended for beginners.
- To reproduce, this species needs light and heat.
What you might need:
01. Animal husbandry
For larvae : Plastic boxes with ventilation. Provide an amount of substrate suitable for the number of larvae.
For example, for 10/15 Pachnoda Massajae larvae: provide a 5L box.
For the pupae : Once in a cocoon, you can either leave them in the same box as the larvae or transfer them to another ventilated container. For this, you will need to reposition the cocoon in the substrate.
For adults : Provide a terrarium suitable for the number of individuals. For about 3/4 couples, provide at least a terrarium of about 40x30x30 (LxWxH) with ventilation on the lid. Also provide about 10cm minimum of substrate and small branches for movement.
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The ground should not be totally flat because beetles that fall on their backs die quickly as they can no longer turn over. It is therefore very important to furnish with barks, stones or others and not to flatten the substrate.
Temperature: Approximately 22°C/28°C for the breeding of larvae and adults.
Humidity:
For the larvae: Plan for a slightly moist substrate.
During pupation: Plan for a slightly drier substrate.
For the adults: Plan for a substrate ranging from slightly moist to dry. If the terrarium is well ventilated, plan for a small water spray every 2 to 3 days.
Lighting: Necessary lighting for adults (bulb, spot, tube ...)
For the larvae: Classic flower beetle substrate: decomposed and crushed oak, beech, or possibly chestnut leaves. The larvae are saproxylophagous and feed on decomposing matter (wood, leaves)If the larvae lack food, there is a risk of them dying or obtaining small size specimens. The substrate will need to be renewed as soon as there are too many feces.
For adults: Fruits (mainly bananas) or beetle jelly. Pollen is also appreciated. To be renewed as often as possible as soon as the food begins to degrade.
Incubation
AROUND 10-15 days
Development
From 2 months to 4 months
Nymphomania
About 1 month
Imago lifespan
3 to 5 months
02. To note
Sexing : The male Pachnoda Massajae has a longitudinal groove on the ventral surface of the abdomen.
Fertility, mating and laying : Fertility is quite low under optimal conditions. Mating is not very visible. Laying seems weak.
Cannibalism : Absent.