RFBL CULTURE LARGE
$12.95
Rice flour beetle larvae (Tribolium confusum) are a popular, low-maintenance feeder insect for small animals like dart frogs, lizards, and amphibians. They are easy to culture and reproduce readily in a container with flour and a bit of baker's yeast. The larvae are a good source of protein and can be used as a staple or supplementary food.
Culturing Rice Flour Beetles:
Container: Use a shoebox-sized plastic container with a secure lid.
Media: The culture medium consists of whole wheat flour (fine), white flour, and baker's yeast in a ratio of 4:4:1.
Maintenance: No water is needed, and the media depth should be around 5cm.
Overcrowding: Flour beetles can be cannibalistic, so avoid overcrowding.
Culture Longevity: Cultures can last for several months and are a good backup food source.
Harvesting:
Sifting:
Use a small sieve or tea strainer to separate beetles and larvae from the flour.
Larvae Only:
To get just the larvae, place the sieve back on the surface and allow adults to climb out.
Harvesting Tips:
For a quick larval harvest, you can try using a wedge-shaped piece of paper to scoop some flour and then slowly pour it out, leaving the larvae behind.
Feeding:
Variety:
Rice flour beetle larvae can be a staple food or a supplement to your pet's diet.
Animal Preferences:
Some animals may not readily eat the adult beetles due to their bitter taste.
Disposal:
Dispose of old cultures in your general waste bin, ensuring no flour escapes.
Tips
Maintain multiple cultures to ensure a continuous food supply. Keep cultures in a cool, dry place. Store cultures away from food storage areas to prevent potential infestations.