All information about the useful compost helper

the essentials in brief

• Rhinoceros beetle larvae are extremely useful, especially in compost
• Rhinoceros beetles are critically endangered and are therefore under protection
• The beetles often settle in the compost heap on their own, provided that it is sufficiently moist and the garden is free of pesticides

Rhinoceros beetle larva - interesting facts about the grubs

Rhinoceros beetle larvae are a boon for any compost

Every find of a rhinoceros beetle larva in the compost is an unmistakable indication of the high ecological value of the garden. Female rhinoceros beetle are very picky when it comes to choosing a biotope or compost heap as a nursery. The ecological balance has to be in order and all framework conditions are right so that expectant beetle mothers even consider a garden as a larval habitat. Accordingly, hobby gardeners rarely experience a close encounter with the precious natural treasures. The following table summarizes important information and identifying features of a rhinoceros beetle larva:

Have you discovered larvae in the compost and as Grubs of the rhinoceros beetle identified? Then it is not possible to differentiate between males and females in this development phase. Only when a larva has pupated and transformed into an adult rhinoceros beetle do clear distinguishing features become apparent. The following profile provides more detailed information on gender determination.

Rhinoceros beetle female - information about a miracle of nature

Rhinoceros beetle females have to hurry because there is little time to look for a suitable male and the ideal location for laying eggs. After hatching as a finished beetle, the lifespan extends to four to six weeks. As a rule, rhinoceros beetles remain in the chicken egg-sized cocoon for some time and wait until the flight time begins at the end of May. At dusk, females and males finally leave their previous home and go on their wedding flight.

Rhinoceros beetle eggs are amazingly large

The female rhinoceros beetle critically select the strongest male to be the father of their offspring. Only those who assert themselves victoriously against all rivals may mate with a female. The eggs are laid in midsummer. Before doing this, the female beetle carefully examines possible locations. Quiet gardens with a healthy ecosystem are shortlisted as a nursery. Properly designed ones have the best chances Compost heap with abundant decomposed wood fibers as ideal larval food.

The female rhinoceros beetle no longer bother about the 30 or so deposited eggs and the resulting larvae. The rotting process in the compost creates sufficiently high temperatures for the grubs to develop healthily. Immediately after laying eggs, the lady beetles have fulfilled their life's work and die. As a rule, the males have exhaled their short and intense life some time beforehand.

Buy rhinoceros beetle - is that possible?

In Germany, rhinoceros beetles are an endangered species under the Federal Nature Conservation Act. According to § 44 BNatSchG it is illegal to catch, injure or even kill the larvae and beetles. Furthermore, their natural habitat must not be destroyed in order to ensure unhindered development. In connection with this, it is strictly forbidden to remove, buy or sell rhinoceros beetle larvae or beetles from nature. The need to protect the rare beetles is underpinned in most federal states by including rhinoceros beetles on the red list.

In Germany you will not find any serious dealers or legal sources of purchase for rhinoceros beetles or their larvae. For good reason, because disregard of the legal protection regulations can be punished with fines of up to 50,000 euros. Please ignore illegal purchase offers on the Internet on free classifieds portals from pseudo-pet dealers. The joy of the temptingly low price for a rhinoceros beetle does not last long, because in the worst case, a hefty bill for the fine will follow.

Digression

Japanese rhinoceros beetle - giant from Asia

Rhinoceros beetle keeping - instructions for the garden

Rhinoceros beetles appear all by themselves in healthy compost

The keeping of rhinoceros beetles is closely linked to the strict provisions of the Federal Nature Conservation Act. Buying or otherwise taking possession is not permitted. Animal-loving and environmentally conscious home gardeners do not consider this option anyway, because of the way it is kept of rhinoceros beetles as pets against nature and associated with a high level of stress for the animals is. By cultivating the garden organically and creating a perfect Create compost, apply to female rhinoceros beetle as the ideal habitat. The following criteria must be taken to heart for a competent rhinoceros beetle keeping in the garden:

Poison-free gardening

Rhinoceros beetle females on the approach turn away immediately if they smell pesticides and other environmental toxins. Those who have been practicing poison-free gardening in their green realm for a number of years agree that the expectant beetle mothers have been weighed. The most important cornerstones for one Natural garden we have compiled for you below:

• no use of chemical insecticides, weed killers and other pesticides
• varied planting with native wildflowers, grasses and perennials
• Nutrient supply of the plants with organic fertilizers (compost, plant manure)
• Fight diseases and pests with home remedies (lice with soap solution, mildew with milk-water)

Rhinoceros beetle females have a soft spot for natural gardens with native trees and shrubs. Knowing full well that the offspring like to eat decomposing wood. Do not throw away clippings, even if the amount is too large for compost. In a quiet garden niche, simply pile up leaves, small twigs, and chopped twigs in a pile. Not only female beetles can resist this invitation. Other beneficial insects are happy about the retreat, like Hedgehog.

Create beetle-friendly compost

The compost heap plays a key role in a rhinoceros beetle-friendly garden. The scarab beetles have long since conquered small and large house gardens as potential larval habitats. Long-term field observations by interested entomologists have shown that compost that has been created competently is at the top of the ranking of suitable locations for egg-laying. The following list provides fundamental framework conditions for compost as a nursery for rhinoceros beetle grubs:

• semi-shady to shady location, preferably under the canopy of trees or large shrubs
• direct ground contact for unhindered digging activities
• Covering the floor with vole mesh to protect against moles
• Create a lower layer of coarse materials such as shrubs or trees
• Load up variedly with uncooked kitchen and shredded garden waste
• Preferably use straw, leaves or litter as intermediate layers

The more decomposing cellulose is used, the richer the food for rhinoceros beetle grubs in the compost. Shredded wooden furniture is only suitable for composting if it does not contain any chemical glaze, varnish or paint. As food for hungry rhinoceros beetle larvae in the compost, paper is only an option if it is not printed newsprint or leftovers from glossy magazines.

Maintain compost heaps properly

If it is very dry, the compost heap should be poured

Constant moisture is essential for keeping rhinoceros beetles in compost. Especially the big grubs are dependent on a regular water supply. On hot, dry summer days, please visit the compost heap and its inhabitants with a watering can or Garden hose. In addition, you cover the organic material with breathable compost fleece.

Do not convert compost with larvae any more

Larvae are mostly discovered in the compost when the organic material is converted and sieved for the purpose of oxygen supply. After a find, please modify the maintenance of the compost heap in accordance with the special framework conditions for the habitat and species protection of rhinoceros beetles. Collect the sieved larvae by hand. Put the natural jewels on the semi-ripe compost heap as quickly as possible. Please place cocoons or adult beetles in waiting positions for the upcoming flight time on the sieved material so that they can free themselves more easily. From now on, the compost heap in question should no longer be rearranged or sieved. Instead, set up a second composting area, which from now on supplies you with the natural fertilizer.

The attitude of Ducks and rhinoceros beetles on a property does not do well for the beetles and larvae. To the prey scheme of Indian Ducks don't just count Nudibranchs. Unimpressed, the funny devour Snail hunter a precious rhinoceros beetle grub. So that you don't have to choose between the two natural treasures, simply fence in the composting area. Running ducks are among the flightless water birds and respect at least 150 centimeters of fencing as a territorial boundary.

Differentiating rhinoceros beetle males and females

Rhinoceros beetle males primarily brag about their characteristic horn when they impress rivals or compete with them in a fight. Furthermore, the beetle masters proudly present the mighty rhinoceros when they vie for the favor of their loved ones. Females only sport a mini horn. Horn size and shape are of course not the only attributes of the beetle giants. The following profile summarizes important properties of rhinoceros beetles with information on sex determination:

• Insect family: Scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae)
• Genus and species: Species within the genus giant beetle (Oryctes nasicornis)
• Distribution areas: Central and Southern Europe, North Africa, Central and East Asia
• Beetle size: 20 to 40 mm
• Beetle body: cylindrical, dark brown, shiny chestnut-brown elytra, hairy underneath
• male horn: large, 10 mm long, backward curved horn on the top of the head
• female horn: small, inconspicuous hump
• Pronotum male: ridge-shaped elevation at the back, three curved cusps in the middle
• Pronotum female: smooth, without noticeable bumps
• Lifespan as an imago: 4 to 6 weeks
• Sleep-wake rhythm: crepuscular, nocturnal

Rhinoceros beetles have adapted their habitat in Germany and Europe with an ingenious survival strategy. The giant beetles originally lived in the forests that covered our continent. Preferably in dead tree trunks and thick branches of old trees, beetles and grubs settled comfortably in the wooden mole. In the course of the settlement activities by humans and the associated decline in forest areas, the clever survivors followed the humans. As a cultural follower, rhinoceros beetles have now discovered private gardens, parks and biotopes as new habitats.

Rhinoceros beetle male without horn

Small rhinoceros beetle males use an ingenious strategy to still get a chance with the females. Since the beetle tots would be hopelessly inferior in a fight, they forego an imposing rhinoceros without further ado. At first glance, the masters of camouflage look confusingly similar to a female rhinoceros beetle. The cunning strategists use this advantage and smuggle themselves undetected among the ladies. While large males fight fierce battles, the small conspecifics mate calmly with the females.

frequently asked Questions

We found rhinoceros beetle larvae in the compost. What to do?

Enjoy the find, because as an environmentally friendly gardener you have done everything right. A lot of calm and even more patience are required before the big grubs turn into magnificent rhinoceros beetles. The lifespan from larva to imago extends over three to five years. During this time, when composting, pay attention to important basic conditions, such as constant moisture and direct contact with the ground. Do not move the compost heap anymore. Put the rhinoceros beetle larvae that have been sieved out again in semi-ripe compost so that they can dig in quickly.

What do rhinoceros beetles eat?

A rhinoceros beetle larva feeds mainly on rotting wood, such as cuttings from trees and bushes, sawdust or bark mulch. The preferred habitat of larvae is the compost heap in the near-natural garden, if there is one in it Abundant fibrous material has accumulated that is not in with pesticides or similar toxins Contact came. Whether adult rhinoceros beetle females or males eat food at all during their short life is a matter of controversy among experts. Presumably the magnificent beetles cover their energy needs with tree sap. Fresh greens such as flowers, vegetables or perennials are therefore not on the giant beetle's menu.

Can rhinoceros beetles fly?

Rhinoceros beetle larvae go through a two to five year development phase before they leave their cocoons as fully grown beetles. For a short lifespan of four to six or seven weeks, females and males can fly so they can find each other and mate. The main flight time extends from late May to early / mid-June, preferably at dusk.

Are rhinoceros beetle larvae dangerous for the plants in the garden?

Rhinoceros beetle larvae clean up the garden and ensure good soil quality

Rhinoceros beetle larvae feed mainly on dead wood, decomposing cellulose or bark mulch. Thanks to a special intestinal flora, the grubs can easily digest the tough material that other insects get stuck in their throats. The larvae despise living plant material from flowers, shrubs or vegetables. There is therefore no need to take countermeasures if there are rhinoceros beetle larvae in the compost.

While sifting compost, we fell into our hands a huge cocoon, in which a rhinoceros beetle is probably growing. How should we proceed now?

Between the ages of 3 and 5 years, rhinoceros beetles have gone through all three larval stages. The grubs then pupate in cocoons the size of hen's eggs, which they assemble themselves from sawdust, cellulose and clay. The young beetles stay in a cocoon until they hatch and the wedding flight begins at the end of May / beginning of June. Carefully take the cocoon in your hand and insert it a few centimeters into the sieved one Compost soil. The finer material makes it easier for the beetles to hatch and escape. Postpone using the manure in the garden until the rhinoceros beetles have left the heap.

How long does a rhinoceros beetle live?

An adult rhinoceros beetle is not granted a short life of four to six weeks. The development from egg to adult beetle, on the other hand, takes up to five years, consisting of three larval stages and one pupation in the cocoon. In late spring, the fully trained rhinoceros beetles hatch and remain in the protective cocoon for some time. At the end of May / beginning of June, males and females fly out to look after offspring. The rhinoceros beetles perish by the end of July / beginning of August at the latest.

Where can you buy a Japanese rhinoceros beetle? What does a live beetle cost?

In Japan there is a real hype about the Japanese rhinoceros beetle, also known as the samurai beetle. Traditionally, the largest species of beetle in Japan is one of the most popular pets. Most pet stores have Allomyrina dichotomus or a subspecies in their standard range. In Germany, a few exotic beetle dealers offer live Japanese rhinoceros beetles and their larvae for sale. The price for a live beetle is 10 to 12 euros. Third instar larvae cost around 8 euros. Since the Asian beetle species is not native to Germany, it is not subject to the Federal Nature Conservation Act.

Tips

Rhinoceros beetles are considered the weightlifters in the beetle kingdom. In fact, scientists recognize the jewel beetles as the world's strongest animal species based on their relative weight. Adult females and fully developed males can lift 850 times their body weight. If a person wanted to keep up here, he would have to shoulder a whopping 55 tons.