Protaetia Mirifica
( Mulsant, 1842 )
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Scarabaeidae
Subfamily: Cetoniinae
Genus: Protaetia
Protaetia mirifica is a robust beetle that typically measures between 21 and 30 mm. It is easily distinguished from other rose beetles by its uniform dark blue to dark purple coloration, sometimes accompanied by greenish metallic reflections on the underside and edges of the pronotum. Some individuals may exhibit rarer color variations, ranging from purplish hues to violet-black.
This species is native to the Mediterranean region, with a distribution extending from central Spain to Lebanon. However, it is localized in specific areas, primarily associated with old oak forests.
For the larvae:Plastic boxes with ventilation. Provide an appropriate amount of substrate for the number of larvae.
For example, for 10/15 larvae of Protaetia mirifica: provide a 5L box.
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. For this, you will need to reposition the shell in the substrate.
For the adults:Provide a terrarium suitable for the number of individuals. For about 3/4 pairs, provide at least a terrarium of approximately 40x30x30 (LxWxH) with ventilation on the lid. Also, provide at least 10cm of substrate and small branches for movement.
The ground should not be completely flat because beetles that fall on their backs die quickly as they cannot turn over. It is therefore very important to furnish with bark, stones, or others and not toflatten the substrate.
Temperature: Approximately 22°C/28°C for breeding larvae and adults.
Humidity:
For larvae: Provide a slightly moist substrate.
During pupation: Provide a slightly drier substrate.
For adults: Provide a slightly moist to dry substrate. If the terrarium is well-ventilated, provide a light spray of water every 2 to 3 days.
Lighting: Lighting is necessary for adults (bulb, spotlight, tube, etc.)
For the 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 them dying or producing small specimens. The substrate should be replaced as soon as there are too many droppings.
For the adults: Fruits (mainly banana) or beetle jelly. Pollen is also appreciated. Refresh as often as possible as soon as the food starts to degrade.
Incubation
Approximately 2 weeks
Development
About 9 months
Nymphosis
About 3 months
Lifespan of imago
about 12 months
Sex: The male Protaetia Mirifica has its last abdominal segment ventrally shaped like a trapezoid and more discreet.
Whereas in the female, it is triangular in shape with more pronounced punctuation.
Prolificacy:Average
Cannibalism: Absent
It is recommended to carry out a hibernation or rather a diapause at the end of the larval stage or the beginning of the adult stage to achieve better reproduction and laying.
The larvae at the end of the L3 stage or the imagos are placed in a drier substrate and in a cooler place (8 - 10°C, such as a wine cellar) for 2-3 months. Then they are returned to the rearing temperature.
