Embaphion muricatum (Muricate Pie-Dish Beetle)

Embaphion muricatum

(Muricate Pie-Dish Beetle)

The Muricate Pie-Dish Beetle is one of the strangest darklings that North America has to offer. Adults sport studded elytra with upturned extensions bordering their entire body, which resembles a pie-dish! The purpose of this outlandish morphology has yet to be discovered. Although Embaphion muricatum abhor high air humidity, they will rapidly desiccate without access to moisture.

Adult Size - Male (16 mm), Female (16 mm)

Climbing Ability - None

Flying Ability - None

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Enclosure

E.muricatum aren't particular 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.muricatum aren't picky about their substrate as long as it holds moisture well and is compactible. The substrate should be deep if larvae are being pupated communally.

Type - Not picky

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.muricatum 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.muricatum can be kept into the high 60s, but grow and breed fastest at warmer temperatures.

Range - 68 F to 80 F