Odontolabis siva siva

Distribution:

Thailand, Tibet (?)

Breeding hints:

Odontolabis siva is a very easy to keep and breed species. Innumerous hobbyist have kept especially the Taiwanese subspecies of Odontolabis siva parryi. The breeding is standard Odontolabis:

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 white rotten wood. Of course, to get 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 siva siva male, Thailand © B.Harink

The following pictures are of Odontolabis siva ssp. from Tibet. I do guess they are Odontolabis siva siva, but if you disagree, please do let me know.

Odontolabis siva ssp. male, Tibet © B.Harink

Odontolabis siva ssp. male, Tibet © B.Harink

Pictures of living specimen:

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

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