Dorcus Antaeus
The Dorcus Antaeus inhabits the mountainous regions of countries such as China, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Thailand. It is often mistakenly believed to be a heat-tolerant beetle, but despite living in hot regions, it resides in high-altitude areas, making it heat-sensitive and cold-resistant. Particularly, Antaeus from the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, and Bhutan can even grow in snowy environments, so high temperatures must be avoided. When rearing Antaeus in areas south of Honshu, summer heat countermeasures are essential, as temperatures above 30°C can weaken them.
The shape of the male mandibles varies; those from the Himalayan region often extend straight forward, while those from the Indochina region tend to have more curved mandibles. Hand pairing is recommended for breeding. If the beetles are mature, placing the male on top of the female will usually prompt immediate pairing. Once pairing is complete, place only the female in the egg-laying case.
For the egg-laying setup, bury 2-3 pieces of egg-laying wood completely in fine-particle substrate. Use finely fermented broadleaf tree substrate for optimal results, as lower-quality materials may not encourage egg-laying. The egg-laying wood should be thick and soft enough that pressing with a fingernail leaves a clear indentation. Antaeus lay eggs in both wood and substrate, so careful attention is needed.
To induce egg-laying, ensure the timing is correct. The best periods are in May or early autumn; missing these windows can reduce the number of eggs laid. With proper temperature management, egg-laying can be induced year-round. The optimal temperatures are about 18°C for the Himalayan type, 20°C for the Indochina type, and around 23°C for the Malay Antaeus. The larvae grow quickly after hatching, so they should be reared separately. Although this species was once expensive, its price has significantly dropped in recent times.
