Dicronorhina derbyana derbyana

Brief description:

The basic coloration of Dicronorhina derbyana derbyana is metallic green, more rarely also red. The entire upper side of the body is also covered with a pattern of white stripes. The massive stature and a body length of up to 5 cm make this species a very impressive beetle. The animals often have a shiny metallic red spot on the neck shield. The legs are metallic green and only black on the tarsi. The underside of the animals is completely black. This beetle species has a small, T-shaped horn on its head.

Dicronorhina derbyana derbyana is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its colors and the fact that the animals are easy to keep. The generation period of these beetles is around 10-12 months. Their natural habitat is the shrub and tree vegetation of Africa. Dicronorhina derbyana derbyana can fly very well and does so from time to time, but we have found that the animals rarely fly in terraria and prefer to crawl.

Imagines (sexually mature beetles) can be kept in tanks from 30 cm x 30 cm x 40 cm. However, larger tanks are preferable. The larvae require less space and can be reared in BraPlast boxes. The substrate in the rearing box and in the tank should be strewn about 10-20 cm high. The substrate should consist of flake soil. The beetles can be kept at temperatures between 18°C and 28°C, but obviously feel most comfortable at temperatures around 25-27°C and are more active than at lower temperatures. In the larval stage, the animals feed mainly on the soil substrate. Once they have pupated and the beetle has hatched, it also buries itself and only becomes active for the first time after approx. 2 weeks. From this point on, the animals live for about 5 months. Dicronorhina derbyana derbyana likes it drier than too wet, which is why the humidity should be around 50-60%. Lighting for the terrarium is not necessary, but the animals should be able to follow a day-night rhythm. Like many other species of rose chafer, this species is diurnal. Overripe fruit can be served as food, which should ideally be offered in small bowls for hygienic reasons. Beetle jelly is also very popular. Proteins are best offered to the larvae and beetles in the form of gammarus. Climbing branches are suitable for the terrarium and are very popular. The rest of the design can be left as it is, as the animals are not very demanding. Dicronorhina derbyana derbyana has established itself as a great starter beetle thanks to its ease of keeping.