Stag beetles, with their impressive mandibles resembling the antlers of a stag, are fascinating creatures that have captivated insect enthusiasts for years. If you’re looking for a unique and low-maintenance pet, you might be wondering, “Can You Keep Stag Beetles As Pets?” The answer is yes! Keeping stag beetles as pets can be a rewarding and educational experience. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to provide a comfortable and enriching environment for your stag beetle companions.
Creating the Ideal Stag Beetle Enclosure
Setting up the right enclosure is the first step in ensuring the health and happiness of your pet stag beetles. A simple plastic box or container, like a 16-liter (approximately 5 gallons) capacity, works well for a pair of smaller species such as Dorcus alcides. However, remember that the size of the enclosure should be adjusted depending on the species you choose to keep; larger species will naturally require more space.
Ventilation is crucial. Make sure to create several holes in the lid or sides of the container to allow for proper air circulation. This helps prevent the build-up of stagnant air and maintains a healthy environment.
Inside the enclosure, you should provide hides to mimic their natural habitat. Coconut husk and cork bark are excellent choices, offering secure and natural-looking shelters for your beetles. While adding plants might seem like a nice touch, stag beetles are known to be quite destructive and will likely damage or uproot any vegetation. Therefore, it’s generally best to keep the enclosure décor simple and functional.
Feeding Your Pet Stag Beetles
What do stag beetles eat? In their natural habitat, stag beetles primarily feed on tree sap and decaying fruits. As pets, their diet can be easily replicated. Commercially produced beetle jelly is a popular and convenient food source, particularly in regions like Japan where it is readily available. However, if you live elsewhere, finding beetle jelly might be challenging.
Fortunately, stag beetles readily accept a variety of fresh fruits. Apple, banana, mango, and coconut (in moderation) are all suitable options. It’s best to avoid overly watery fruits like grapes or watermelon as a staple, although they can be offered occasionally as a treat.
You can place the fruit directly into the enclosure or use a small food dish, such as a bottle cap. Be aware that stag beetles can be a bit messy, and the fruit may become covered in substrate. This is perfectly normal, and they will still consume it. Replace the fruit every few days to maintain freshness and prevent mold growth.
Substrate Needs for Stag Beetles
The type of substrate you need depends on whether you are keeping adult stag beetles or intend to rear larvae. For adult beetles, any general pet-safe substrate will suffice. A layer of about 5 centimeters (approximately 2 inches) is adequate for adults, providing a comfortable base for them to move around on.
However, if you plan to breed your stag beetles and raise larvae, a substrate made of rotten wood is essential. Stag beetle larvae feed exclusively on decaying wood, and no other substrate is suitable for their development. Finding a source of rotten wood or logs might require some effort, but it’s crucial for successful larvae rearing.
Light and Temperature Considerations
Stag beetles are quite adaptable and don’t require any specialized lighting or heating. They thrive at normal room temperature, making them relatively easy to care for in most households. If you live in a particularly cold climate, a slight increase in temperature wouldn’t be harmful, but it’s generally not necessary. Avoid placing their enclosure in direct sunlight, as this can cause overheating.
Misting the enclosure is also generally not required. When kept in a closed but well-ventilated container, the humidity within the enclosure will naturally regulate to a suitable level over time.
Housing Stag Beetles Together: What to Consider
Housing multiple stag beetles together requires careful consideration, as their compatibility depends on the species and sex. Generally, it’s possible to keep a pair or even a trio of certain species together. Housing a male with multiple females is usually acceptable, but keeping multiple males in the same enclosure is strongly discouraged.
Male stag beetles are territorial and will fight, often aggressively, which can significantly shorten their lifespan and even lead to fatal injuries. Furthermore, males can sometimes harm females, particularly during breeding attempts. Larger species with more powerful mandibles, like Dorcus titanus, pose a greater risk of injury to females compared to smaller species like Dorcus alcides.
While some keepers have attempted to mitigate male aggression by tying the mandibles of males with wire, this practice is generally not recommended due to the risk of injury and stress to the beetle. It is crucial to monitor any cohabiting beetles closely, especially during breeding periods, and be prepared to separate them if necessary. The original author’s unfortunate experience of a male dismembering a female highlights the potential risks involved in unsupervised cohabitation, especially for breeding purposes.
Conclusion: Are Stag Beetles the Right Pet for You?
Keeping stag beetles as pets can be a fascinating and relatively simple hobby. They are beautiful, generally harmless, and handleable invertebrates that require minimal maintenance. With a basic setup, proper feeding, and understanding of their housing needs, you can successfully keep and enjoy these unique creatures. If you’re looking for an unusual pet that offers a glimpse into the insect world, stag beetles are definitely worth considering. They can be a truly entertaining and educational addition to your home.
