Goliathus meleagris

Distribution:

Congo

Breeding hints:

Goliathus are the holy grail of beetle breeding. Many tried and many failed, included me. A breakthrough was achieved when breeders realized that Goliathus larvae are cannibalistic. Feeding them with proteins, for example with dried dog or cat food, dried silkworms, other beetle larvae, makes the larvae grow well and fast. If you think that this is the main challenge, wait for pupation, during which there normally are heavy losses again. My conclusion is that even though Goliathus can be bred in captivity it is a species for experienced breeders. Oh, and discipline is very important.

I am actually not quite sure if Goliathus meleagris is a proper species, or if it is Goliathus orientalis. Due to the large variability even within one species it is rather difficult. If you know, please do let me know

Interesting Links:

Karl Meier was one of the first guys to breed Goliathus goliatus

Jayson Wong has a slightly different and more economic approach

Specimen Pictures:

Please email me your pictures, if you want to have them displayed here.

Pictures of living specimen:

Goliathus meleagris male, Congo © P. Curik

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