beetlekeeping

Beetlekeeping is the practice of keeping beetles as pets, educational specimens, or display animals. Hobbyists, schools, and museums maintain a wide range of species—from large rhinoceros and stag beetles to small tropical forms—for observation, breeding, and conservation-oriented education.

Care and housing: Beetles are housed in ventilated containers with a suitable substrate such as soil, leaf litter, wood chips, or bark. Provide hiding places and an appropriate moisture level; maintain species-specific temperatures. Tropical species often require 24–28°C and higher humidity, whereas temperate species may tolerate cooler conditions and seasonal variation. Diets commonly include fruit, vegetables, nectar substitutes, or fungal material; many larvae feed on decaying wood or detritus. Regular cleaning and moisture management reduce mold and disease risk.

Life cycle, breeding, and ethics: Beetles undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). Breeding success varies by species and may depend on environmental cues; not all beetles breed readily in captivity. Handle beetles minimally to reduce stress, and source new acquisitions from reputable suppliers. Regulations vary by country, so check local permits. Ethical beetlekeeping emphasizes welfare, responsible sourcing, and avoiding release into non-native environments. Common groups kept include stag beetles, rhinoceros beetles, Cetoniinae flower beetles, and dung beetles.