Eleodes osculans (Wooly Darkling Beetle)

Eleodes osculans

(Wooly Darkling Beetle)

Who doesn't love a fuzzy beetle? Eleodes osculans is one of North America's fuzziest native tenebrionids, sporting a lush coating of rusty orange setae. Larvae fit the typical Darkling Beetle build, but are notably stumpy. Adults can often be found (quite adorably) resting together in large groups. The Wooly Darkling Beetle has proven very easy to reproduce in captivity.

Adult Size - Male (23 mm), Female (23 mm)

Climbing Ability - None

Flying Ability - None

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Enclosure

E.osculans aren't particularly large or crowding sensitive, so their enclosure doesn't need to be spacious. Height should be factored into the equation if larvae are being pupated communally.

Ventilation level - 

Communal pupation (main enclosure): Very high

Isolated pupation (main enclosure): High

Isolated pupation (pupation cups): Moderate

Hides - Necessary

Barrier/Secure Lid - Not necessary

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Substrate

E.osculans only seem to lay eggs in sandy substrates. The substrate should be deep (6+ inches, depending on length and width of the enclosure) if larvae are being pupated communally.

Type - 50% sand & 50% coconut fiber mix

Moisture level -

Communal pupation (main enclosure): Top 1/3 dry, bottom 2/3 moist

Isolated pupation (main enclosure): 2/3 dry, 1/3 moist

Isolated pupation (pupation cups): Moderate

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Food

E.osculans aren't picky about their food and can be fed an average darkling beetle diet.

Type - Proteinaceous pet foods, fruits, vegetables

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Temperature

E.osculans can be kept into the low 70s, but grows and breeds fastest at warmer temperatures.

Range - 70 F to 80 F