Caterpillar? - Strategus

Moved

Moved from Strategus aloeus.

… Alan Jeon, 28 March, 2016 - 10:52pm

Moved

Moved from Unidentified Larvae.

… Alan Jeon, 28 March, 2016 - 10:51pm

Moved

Moved from Scarab Beetles.

… Phillip Harpootlian, 14 February, 2009 - 6:05pm

Moved

Moved from Beetles.

… Phillip Harpootlian, 28 September, 2006 - 3:10pm

not a caterpillar, beetle larva

I'm pretty sure this is the larva of Strategus sp. - the larva move from eating leaves & leaf litter to small branches and logs as they mature and I see them not infrequently walking across roads and trails, presumeably looking for a better food source. You can let him go - won't hurt anything.

… Phillip Harpootlian, 26 January, 2006 - 10:45am

Strategus

Thanks for the id. Could I safely nurture it in captivity to witness the transformation, or would you advise I set it free?

John Moerk

… John & Barbara Moerk, 26 January, 2006 - 11:20am

possible, with experience

I wouldn't recommend it unless you've read up on this - lots of literature available.

… Phillip Harpootlian, 26 January, 2006 - 11:37am

OK - I'll set him loose. Than

OK - I'll set him loose. Thanks
John Moerk

… John & Barbara Moerk, 26 January, 2006 - 11:43am

It would be nice to know for sure.

Beetle larvae can be pegged to family and often subfamily fairly easily, but few of us are able to say for certain what species they are. (Phillip is definitely more familiar with scarabs and their larvae than I, but even he is not absolutely sure.) The only sure way I have of finding out is to raise the larva and see what it becomes.

Beetle rearing is a major hobby in Japan and some European countries and there are Web sites devoted exclusively to the topic. A little googling and you can find several where you can learn more about it.

… Jim McClarin, 26 January, 2006 - 7:41pm

been there,

I've reared a few of these years ago and they look right (obviously can't be 100%) - the really telling thing is the behavior - at some point in their development they go on a walkabout.

… Phillip Harpootlian, 27 January, 2006 - 8:07am