LARVAE: Tarandus stag beetle (Mesotopus tarandus)

West African woods are the native habitat of Mesotopus tarandus. The world’s glossiest stag beetle species is this one, according to popular belief. Captive breeding was not achievable in the past due to a lack of understanding regarding the growing and breeding techniques of the species. But thanks to recent discoveries about their ecology and the effectiveness of kawaratake in breeding, there is now a far greater chance of seeing captive-bred animals.

mostly consumes Kawaratake Kinshi

There are three distinct larval phases for beetles: L1, L2, and L3. The larva pupates to become an adult beetle after the L3 stage!