Introduction to Blaps Culture sp.

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Chenopodiaceae, 23.07.2019 2:20

Hello, comrades!

Medlyaks (Blaps) of indeterminate appearance came to me from southern Kazakhstan (Chimkent region). They were collected by a friend in a dry steppe (there even semi-deserts, and sometimes sagebrush-solyanka (clay) deserts are called steppe), in which in May, the grassy vegetation has already burned out. The size of the largest beetle is 4cm

A friend kept the beetles for a year, during which time the larvae managed to hatch and grow, but did not live to the pupal stage, because the substrate was waterlogged and sour. The beetles and a small part of the larvae survived. They were kept together on wet ground.

Now this crop is in my insectarium. The question is: is it possible to keep the culture on dry bran with regular top dressing with wet food (let it be carrots and greens)? Thus, for many years I have been cultivating large flour crushchak (Tenebrio molitior) and zophobas (Zophobas morio). However, these two species come from wetter habitats than the mentioned medlyak species. If you think logically, then the culture of medlyak on dry bran is quite possible. However, today I found two dead and eaten larvae from those that were the smallest, in connection with which, I had concerns that the larvae do not get enough moisture.

Your opinions are very interesting and valuable, dear forum participants!

I enclose a photo of these wonderful beetles:

user posted image