Odontolabis burmeisteri

Distribution:

India

Breeding hints:

I have kept Odontolabis burmeisteri and found them a rather easy to breed species. However, achieving a large sized male is much more difficult. Odontolabis burmeisteri is one of the few Lucanidae that can grow above 10cm. There is a good breeding report written by my friend Kay the Guru on this website. For general guidelines on breeding these beetles, see below

Odontolabis normally make for a good beginners choice. Of course there are some difficult to breed species, but the major challenge in breeding Odontolabis normally lays in achieving telodont males rather than just reproducing the species.

Like many Odontolabis species the females will lay their eggs into fine substrate next to wood pieces. I found Odontolabis in general rather easy to breed. It is even possible to raise the larvae on a leaf litter substrate with only a minimal part of whit rotten wood. Of course, to reach major males in breeding you would need a fermented mat and additives. It is quite interesting that, given enough space, Odontolabis larvae can be kept together and seem to communicate by stridulation. Each larva will build its own cave system and stay inside those confines. Some larva however do invade the caves of the others and eat them. I believe that these will become major males in the wild.

Interesting Links:

Please suggest links that offer more information about this species

Specimen Pictures:

Odontolabis burmeisteri minor male, India © B.Harink

Pictures of living specimen:

Odontolabis burmeisteri larvae for sale in Japan © B.Harink

All Pictures © Copyright of their respective owners.

Design and Text © Copyright of Benjamin Harink,  any use  is strictly prohibited, for details contact: hankypanky79@hotmail.com