Dorcus Pseudaxis
The Dorcus Pseudaxis can be found in Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar. Its body length ranges from 16mm to 33mm, making it a very small species. Many females measure less than 10mm. This species resembles the Elegans small stag beetle, but its inner tooth structure is slightly different. The mandibles extend straight forward, and unlike the Elegans, it has only one inner tooth. The adults can withstand relatively high temperatures and have a lifespan of about one year. The "Pseudacis" on this page lived for over a year.
This species lays eggs in both wood and substrate, though it tends to prefer wood. It seems to favor soft, high-humidity wood for laying eggs. The egg-laying process itself is not particularly difficult. As it is a prolific species, breeders may find they have more offspring than expected. Additionally, there is generally no need to rush when removing the setup. Due to the small size of this species, collecting eggs can be very challenging. Even for those with excellent eyesight, it is extremely difficult to spot and collect Pseudacis eggs, so it is better to wait until the larvae have grown to some extent.
The larvae can grow in both mushroom-based cultures and substrate, though they seem to prefer mushroom cultures. It is recommended to use finely textured Pleurotus fungus cultures. The larvae pupate in about six months, which is quite a fast cycle. Post-emergence feeding lasts around two months, so be mindful not to run out of food.
The Pseudacis small stag beetle is rare in the market, making it a "rare" species. Due to its small size, it does not require much space. Fans of native Japanese small stag beetles may want to try breeding this unique species at least once.
