Dorcus Arrowi
The Dorcus Arrowi is native to India and Indochina. Its elytra are a deep wine red, displaying a unique color not commonly found in other stag beetles. It photographs exceptionally well, so even those who struggle with photography may find it easy to take beautiful pictures.Despite what its name might suggest, this “small stag beetle” can grow to impressive sizes, with larger males easily exceeding 60mm. Its size is notable enough to completely dispel the common perception of a small stag beetle. For egg-laying, there are no special requirements—half-burying soft oviposition wood in fine-grained substrate should result in about 30 offspring. Egg-laying is relatively easy for this species. Even when males and females are housed together, serious accidents are unlikely to occur.
The adult lifespan is approximately six months. There are, however, some points of caution regarding larval rearing. This beetle strongly dislikes mushroom-based cultures, so it is better to avoid rearing them in such environments. Larvae placed in weak Pleurotus fungus cultures often weaken and die. It is recommended to rear Arrow small stag beetle larvae slowly in fermented substrate.
Additionally, both larvae and adults are highly sensitive to high temperatures, requiring extra care. Larvae are not particularly robust, so it is essential to provide a cool environment for them. The price of the Arrow small stag beetle is expected to rise, and with its rearing challenges, it might be somewhat difficult for beginners. However, it remains popular among foreign stag beetle species. Those who have seen one in person are often captivated by its charm. This foreign stag beetle is notably weak against heat, so it is better to handle pairing and egg-laying during cooler periods.
