Admiring a real rhinoceros beetle is only granted to a few hobby gardeners. The prospect of discovering an impressive rhinoceros beetle larva in the compost is much greater. In fact, the presence of the giant beetles and fat grubs is an accolade for the nature-loving gardener. Read everything you need to know about rhinoceros beetles here, with practical tips on how to keep them properly.

The rhinoceros beetle is an impressive insect

Table of Contents

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  1. the essentials in brief
  2. Interesting facts about the rhinoceros beetle larva
  3. Information about rhinoceros beetle females
  4. Buy Rhino Beetle?
  5. Instructions Rhino Beetle Husbandry
  6. distinguish between male rhinoceros beetles
  7. frequently asked Questions

    8. the essentials in brief

    • Rhino beetle larvae are extremely useful, especially in compost
    • Rhinoceros beetles are threatened with extinction and are therefore under protection
    • The beetles will often colonize the compost heap on their own, as long as the compost heap is sufficiently moist and the garden is free of pesticides

    Rhinoceros Beetle Larva - Worth knowing about the grubs

    Rhinoceros beetle larvae are a boon for any compost

    Every finding of a rhinoceros beetle larva in the compost is an unmistakable indication of the high ecological value of the garden. Female rhinoceros beetles are very picky when it comes to choosing a biotope or compost heap as a nursery. The ecological balance has to be right and all the general conditions have to be 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:

    average information
    size 8 to 12 cm
    color whitish to off-white
    body shape cylindrical
    posture C-shaped curved
    front area brown head capsule, 3 long legs
    surface segmented
    lifespan 3 to 5 years
    habitat Compost, wood debris, pruning
    food cellulose, wood fibers, fibrous material
    protected Yes
    threatened with extinction no

    Have you discovered larvae in the compost and identified them as grubs of the rhinoceros beetle? Then it is not possible to distinguish 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 fact sheet below provides more detailed information on sex determination.

    Rhinoceros Beetle Females - Information about a miracle of nature

    Rhinoceros beetle females have to hurry, because time is short to search for a suitable male and the ideal location for laying eggs. After hatching as a mature beetle, the life span extends to four to six weeks. As a rule, rhinoceros beetles remain in the egg-sized cocoon for some time and wait until the end of May when the flight season begins. At dusk, males and females finally leave their previous homes and embark on their nuptial flight.

    Rhinoceros beetle eggs are surprisingly large

    Female rhinoceros beetles critically select the strongest male to sire their offspring. Only those who assert themselves victoriously against all rivals may mate with a female. Egg laying takes place in midsummer. Before doing so, the female beetle carefully examines possible locations. Quiet gardens with healthy ecosystems are shortlisted for nursery. Properly created compost heaps with plenty of decomposed wood fibers have the best chance as ideal food for the larvae.

    The female rhinoceros beetle no longer takes care of the approximately 30 laid eggs and the resulting larvae. The rotting process in the compost creates sufficiently high temperatures for the healthy development of the grubs. Immediately after laying their eggs, the female beetles have fulfilled their life's work and die. As a rule, the males have breathed out their short and intense life some time before.

    Buying a rhinoceros beetle - is that possible?

    In Germany, rhinoceros beetles are classified as 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 take, buy or sell rhinoceros beetle larvae or beetles from nature. The need for protection of the rare beetle is underpinned in most federal states by listing rhinoceros beetles on the Red List.

    In Germany you will not find any reputable dealers or legal purchase sources for rhinoceros beetles or their larvae. With good reason, because disregarding the legal protection regulations is 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 about 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

    Japanese rhinoceros beetle, with the scientific name Allomyrina dichotomus, is only distantly related to the European rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes nasicornis). Both beetle species belong to the scarab beetle family (Scarabaeidae), although they go their separate ways in terms of genus, size and distribution area. Allomyrina dichotomus is considered the largest beetle in Japan with an impressive length of up to 5.4 centimeters. Males boast a massive, forked horn that grows up to 2.5 centimeters long. In contrast to Germany, trading in rhinoceros beetles is traditionally permitted in Japan and is a thriving business for pet shops.

    Rhino beetle husbandry - instructions for the garden

    Rhinoceros beetles will appear naturally in healthy compost

    The keeping of rhinoceros beetles is closely linked to the strict provisions of the Federal Nature Conservation Act. Buying or otherwise possessing is not permitted. Animal-loving and environmentally conscious home gardeners do not consider this option anyway, because keeping rhinoceros beetles as pets is against nature and is associated with a high level of stress for the animals. By cultivating the garden organically and creating a perfect compost, you are promoting rhinoceros beetle females as an ideal habitat. The following criteria must be heeded for competent rhinoceros beetle keeping in the garden:

    Poison-free gardening

    Approaching female rhinoceros beetles turn away immediately if they smell pesticides and other environmental toxins. On the other hand, anyone who has been practicing non-toxic gardening in their green kingdom for a number of years will find the expectant beetle mothers to be well-disposed. We have compiled the most important cornerstones for a natural garden for you below:

    • no use of chemical insecticides, weed killers and other pesticides
    • Varied planting with native wild flowers, 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 and water)

    Female rhinoceros beetles have a soft spot for natural gardens with native trees and shrubs. Knowing full well that the offspring likes to eat decomposing wood. Do not throw away clippings, even if the amount is too large for compost. In a quiet garden alcove, simply pile leaves, small branches and chopped twigs into a pile. Not only female beetles can resist this invitation. Other beneficial creatures are happy about the retreat, such as hedgehogs.

    Make compost bug-friendly

    The compost heap plays a key role in a rhinoceros beetle-friendly garden. Scarab beetles have long since conquered small and large house gardens as a potential larval habitat. Many years of field observations by interested entomologists have shown that competently created compost is at the top of the list of suitable locations for laying eggs. The following list contains the fundamental framework conditions for a compost as a nursery for rhinoceros beetle grubs:

    • semi-shady to shady location, likes under the canopy of trees or large shrubs
    • direct ground contact for unhindered digging activities
    • Covering the bottom with vole mesh to protect against moles
    • create the lower layer of coarse materials, such as perennial or tree cuttings
    • varied with uncooked kitchen waste and shredded garden waste
    • preferably use straw, leaves or bedding as intermediate layers

    The more decomposing cellulose used, the richer the food for rhino beetle grubs in the compost. Shredded wooden furniture is only suitable for composting if it does not contain any chemical stains, varnishes or paints. Paper is only an option as food for hungry rhinoceros beetle larvae in the compost if it is not printed newsprint or even the remains of glossy magazines.

    Maintain compost heaps properly

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

    Constant moisture is vital for keeping rhinoceros beetles in the compost. The fat grubs in particular 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, cover the organic material with breathable compost fleece.

    Do not turn over compost with larvae

    Most larvae are discovered in the compost when the organic material is turned over and sieved to supply oxygen. After a find, please modify the care of the compost heap, tailored to 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 half-ripe compost heap as soon as possible. Please place cocoons or adult beetles in waiting positions for the forthcoming flight time on the screened material so that they can free themselves more easily. From now on, the compost heap in question should no longer be shifted or sieved. Instead, set up a second composting area, which will provide you with the natural fertilizer from now on.

    Keeping runner ducks and rhinoceros beetles on a property does not end well for the beetles and larvae. The prey pattern of Indian runner ducks does not only include slugs. Undeterred, the funny snail hunters devour a valuable rhinoceros beetle grub. So that you don't have to choose between the two natural treasures, simply fence off the composting area. Runner ducks are flightless waterfowl and respect a fence of at least 150 centimeters as the territorial boundary.

    Distinguish between male and female rhino beetle

    The characteristic horn is primarily used by rhinoceros beetle males to show off when impressing rivals or engaging with them in battle. Furthermore, the beetle lords proudly present the mighty rhino when they court the favor of their beloved. Females only sport a mini horn. Horn size and shape are not the only attributes of the beetle giants. The following profile summarizes important characteristics of rhinoceros beetles with information on sex determination:

    • insect family: Scarab beetle (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 40mm
    • beetle body: cylindrical, dark brown, shiny chestnut-brown elytra, hairy underneath
    • male horn: large, 10 mm long, backward curved horn on top of head
    • female horn: small, inconspicuous hump
    • pronotum male: bar-shaped elevation behind, three humps bent up in the middle
    • pronotum female: smooth, without noticeable elevations
    • Lifetime as imago: 4 to 6 weeks
    • sleep-wake cycle: crepuscular, nocturnal
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    With an ingenious survival strategy, rhinoceros beetles in Germany and Europe have adapted their habitat. Originally, the giant beetles lived in the forests that covered our continent across the board. Beetles and grubs made themselves comfortable in the wood debris, preferably in dead tree trunks and thick branches of old trees. In the course of human settlement activities and the associated decline in forest areas, the clever survivors followed humans. Rhinoceros beetles have discovered private gardens, parks and biotopes as a new habitat.

    Horned rhinoceros beetle male

    Little rhinoceros beetle males use an ingenious strategy to still get a chance with the females. Since the beetle tots would be hopelessly inferior in the fight, they do without an imposing rhino 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 fiercely, the smaller conspecifics mate calmly with the females.

    tips

    An encounter with rhinoceros beetles is primarily granted to house gardeners in eastern German federal states and in mild low-lying areas. Due to a very different distribution of the giant beetle in Germany, the discovery of rhinoceros beetle larvae in the compost is considered a gardening sensation in western federal states. The situation is comparable to ladybird larvae, which occur locally in larger numbers and are extinct in some regions.

    frequently asked Questions

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

    Be happy about the find, because you have done everything right as an environmentally friendly gardener. A lot of rest and even more patience is required until the fat grubs transform into magnificent rhinoceros beetles. The lifespan from larva to imago is three to five years. During this time, pay attention to important basic conditions when composting, such as constant moisture and direct contact with the soil. Stop turning the compost heap. Put the rhinoceros beetle larvae that have been sieved out back into half-ripe compost immediately so that they can dig in quickly.

    What Do Rhinoceros Beetles Eat?

    A rhinoceros beetle larva feeds primarily on decaying wood, such as tree and shrub clippings, sawdust, or bark mulch. The preferred habitat of larvae is the compost heap in a semi-natural garden if there is plenty of fibrous material that has not come into contact with pesticides or similar toxins. Whether adult rhinoceros beetle females or males eat at all during their short lives is a matter of controversy among experts. Presumably, the magnificent beetles cover their energy requirements from tree sap. Fresh green, such as flowers, vegetable plants or perennials is therefore not on the menu of the giant beetle.

    Can rhino beetles fly?

    Rhinoceros beetle larvae go through a developmental phase lasting two to five years before they emerge from their cocoons as adult beetles. For a short lifespan of four to six or seven weeks, females and males can fly to find each other and mate. The main flight period extends from late May to early/mid-June, preferably at dusk.

    Are rhinoceros beetle larvae dangerous for 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 such as flowers, perennials or vegetables. There is therefore no reason to take countermeasures if there are rhinoceros beetle larvae in the compost.

    While sifting through compost, we came across 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 passed through all three larval stages. The grubs then pupate in cocoons the size of chicken eggs, which they assemble themselves from sawdust, cellulose and clay. The young beetles remain in a cocoon until they hatch and begin their nuptial flight at the end of May/beginning of June.Take the cocoon carefully in your hand and place it a few centimeters deep in the sifted compost soil. The finer material makes it easier for the beetles to hatch and escape. Postpone the use of the natural fertilizer in the garden until the rhino beetles have cleared the pile.

    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 the egg to the adult beetle, on the other hand, takes up to five years, consisting of three larval stages and a pupation in the cocoon. In late spring, the fully formed 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 care for offspring. The rhinoceros beetles die by the end of July/beginning of August at the latest.

    Where to buy a Japanese rhino beetle? How much does a live beetle cost?

    In Japan, there is a real hype about the Japanese rhinoceros beetle, also known as the samurai beetle. Traditionally, Japan's largest beetle species is one of the most popular pets. Most pet shops stock 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 about 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 weight lifters in the beetle kingdom. In fact, scientists credit jewel beetles as the world's strongest animal species by 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.

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Animals in the garden