Sphaeroderus bicarinatus

Neat

I enjoy the aesthetics of this species. I'm excited to potentially see the differences in the larval stages. Have you reared other species of Sphaeroderus successfully?

I've recently starting rearing a Scaphinotus unicolor, and have been feeding him an assortment of produce (bananas, cantaloupe). I'll try small snails soon.

S. bicarinatus are surprisingly abundant here in the lower elevation plots at the Smokies.

I'll post a focus-stacked photo I took of this species as well!

… Sean Perez, 7 October, 2016 - 11:18am

It is a beautiful species!

The only Sphaeroderus species I've successfully reared larvae from is schaumii.

So you have a unicolor larva that you're rearing to adulthood? That's awesome. I have two unicolor adults right now, but I haven't seen them mating.. They eat (some) snails readily, and love molasses, but don't get too excited about banana. I tried tuna also, because my Chlaenius love it, but the Scaphinotus weren't interested.
The bicarinatus go crazy over snails and slugs, more so than other Cychrines I've fed.

I look forward to your picture of this species!

… Curt Harden, 7 October, 2016 - 2:41pm

Adult S. unicolor

My Scaphinotus is an adult, perhaps rearing was a bad choice of word. I took your advice and gave it a sugary treat; it ate up some maple syrup really fast, thanks!

I'd be interested in knowing what kinds of Chlaenius you're rearing. Here in TN, I've only seen C. emarginatus and C. amoenus. I sure do miss dealing with C. erythropus and C. aestivus.

… Sean Perez, 8 October, 2016 - 3:03pm

Rearing

I've reared larvae from aestivus and emarginatus. Tried and failed with lithophilus.. Right now I have some prasinus that I collected in Georgia, but I haven't seen them mating yet. It's probably too late in the year.. They're fun to watch though. amoenus would be a cool one to rear! I never find more than one at a time, so I haven't gotten a pair to try with.

… Curt Harden, 8 October, 2016 - 6:46pm