The Augosomacentaurus, also known as the African Dudou Chong, is native to Cameroon in the central and western parts of Africa, with a recorded size of about 4-9 centimeters. It is named centaurus, after the half-human half-horse creature in Greek mythology. The adult of this species has a relatively short lifespan, usually only 4-6 months. Breeding and rearing of the larvae are relatively difficult, so it is not widely bred among insect enthusiasts.
The Augosomacentaurus is widely distributed in the entire tropical region of Africa, including countries such as Cameroon, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, and so on. Its main host trees are palm trees and eucalyptus trees. The adults feed on the tender shoots at the end of tree branches, while the larvae burrow into the roots and stems of the trees. Locally, it is considered a major pest of host trees. The adults have obvious phototaxis and are often attracted to light in villages near the forest edge. In the production areas, especially in the eastern region of Cameroon, the Augosomacentaurus is one of the main sources of protein food.
Lovers of climbing pet Dudou Chong are suggested to keep them. The lifespan of the African Dudou Chong is generally 2-4 months, with only a few individuals reaching 6 months. It is relatively difficult to breed the larvae, and the egg production is slightly lower compared to other Chong species. The mid-term of the larvae is about 1-2 years long (shorter than the hair elephant but longer than the long spear), and the loss rate is relatively high.
The environment that should be given during hibernation is dark, and the container does not need to be too large. Sawdust or sphagnum moss can be used as padding, and attention should be paid to maintaining humidity. The depth should be enough to completely bury the adult insects in the soil or sphagnum moss, so that the adults will feel more secure. Place objects such as tree bark on the surface for the adults to turn over. The dormant insects may occasionally crawl to the surface. If there is no tree bark for them to turn over, it will undoubtedly consume their energy and may cause death! The temperature should be maintained at 22-28 degrees Celsius. The higher the temperature, the shorter the hibernation period.
The rearing method of the larvae: Usually, it is best to have a relative space of 4-5 liters or more for each larva. Individual rearing: Each larva is reared separately in a container, which requires a large space but can increase the probability of producing large individuals. The disadvantage is that independent rearing may affect pairing due to different molting times of male and female larvae.
Improvement methods: 1. When changing the soil each time, old soil remaining in each box can be mixed with new soil and distributed to each rearing box. 2. During the mid-term of the third instar, mixed rearing can be performed, but the weight of male and female individuals may decrease due to mixed rearing, but not by much. Mixed rearing: Although it does not occupy a lot of space, the sizes of male and female individuals reared will differ greatly, but the time of eclosion will not be significantly different, and the larval period will be shorter than that of individual rearing.
Larval period: It varies from about 14 months to 26 months. Larval food: The ratio of African Dudou Chong soil to fermented wood chips is 1:1. The humidity can be slightly higher than that for breeding, and a few pieces of wood can be added. Generally, artificial rearing of Augosomacentaurus is more common, so it is necessary to pay attention to whether the adults have passed the dormant period before mating.
If the adults have passed the dormant period, almost all of them will start feeding. It can be checked by touch to see if the adults have any threatening movements, and their claws have strong gripping force. If yes, it means that the adults have passed the dormant period and mating can be conducted. Rearing supplies: Rearing box (large sorting box), African Dudou Chong soil, African Dudou Chong leaf soil, tree bark or wood pieces for adult climbing, etc.
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