Firefly Beetle is native to Indonesia, Malaysia, and records a size of about 2.5 to 4.5 centimeters. It is a small and cute beetle covered with golden short hairs, and it is very easy to breed.
Firefly Beetles are mainly distributed in the low-altitude tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, including the Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Mindanao (Philippines). They are small beetles that live on the ground, usually measuring over 40mm. They are phototactic and have a fierce temperament.
The body of the Firefly Beetle is covered in golden short hairs, with a light brown color. The males have Y-shaped bifurcated antlers on their heads, short and wide bifurcated horns on their chests, and relatively short legs. When threatened, they often rub their elytra together to produce a sound as a warning.
Original species name (A. pfeifferi): mainly distributed in Sumatra, Borneo, and Bangka Island. Habitat: the original species in Mindanao Island (A. pfeifferimindanaoensis) has been merged into the original subspecies, which is mainly distributed in the second largest island of the Philippines - Mindanao Island.
Celebes subspecies (A. pfeiffericelebensis): the largest subspecies in the Firefly Beetle, with a body length of up to 50mm, the breeding record is 46mm, and it is found in Sulawesi Island;
Spider pet lovers recommend keeping the Firefly Beetle. The Firefly Beetle is easy to breed and belongs to the easy-to-keep series. The breeding method and larval feeding are similar to other insects.
The environment that should be provided during the dormant period is darkness. The container does not need to be too large. Sawdust or water moss can be used as cushioning material. Pay attention to maintaining humidity. The depth should be sufficient to bury the adult completely in the soil or water moss, so that the adult will feel more secure. Place objects such as bark on the surface for the adult to turn over. Occasionally, the dormant insect may crawl to the surface. If there is no bark for it to turn over, it will inevitably consume energy and may cause death! Keep the temperature in the range of 22 to 28 degrees Celsius. The higher the temperature, the shorter the dormant period.
Methods of Breeding Larvae: Generally, it is recommended to have at least 4-5 liters of space per larva. Individual breeding: Each larva is raised in a separate container. Although this requires more space, it increases the chances of producing larger individuals. The disadvantage is that independent breeding can cause mating to be affected by the different times of eclosion for males and females.
Improvement methods: 1. When changing the soil, the remaining old soil in each box can be mixed with new soil and distributed to each breeding box. 2. When the larvae reach the middle stage of the 3rd instar, they can be mixed for breeding. However, mixed raising may cause a slight decrease in weight for both male and female individuals, but not significantly.
Mixed breeding: Although it does not require much space, the size difference between male and female individuals bred in this way can be significant. However, the time of eclosion does not differ significantly, and the larval period is shorter compared to individual breeding.
Larval period: Approximately 14 to 26 months. Larval food: A mixture of 99% beetle compost and 99% fermented wood shavings in a 1:1 ratio. The humidity should be slightly higher compared to breeding for reproduction, and a few pieces of wood can be added. The majority of firefly beetles in captivity are artificial breeding, so it is important to ensure that the adults have completed the hibernation period before mating.
If the adult has completed its hibernation period, it will start feeding. This can be confirmed by gently touching them, as adults may exhibit defensive behavior and have strong grip strength with their claws. If this behavior is observed, it means the adult has completed its hibernation period and mating can proceed. Required breeding supplies include breeding boxes (large organizing boxes), 99% beetle compost, 99% beetle leaf compost, and tree bark or wood pieces for the adults to climb on.
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