| Subject: |
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Re: Question about Goliathus ageing. |
| Name: |
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C. Campbell |
| Date Posted: |
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Jul 14, 04 - 5:00 PM |
| Website URL: |
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http://www.naturalworlds.org/goliathus/ |
| Message: |
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Hi Zheng,
The following is based upon what information I have gathered from various coleopterists over the years - I hope that it will prove helpful:
When Goliathus females emerge from their pupal cells, they already have a set number of eggs within their bodies, and these are all that they will ever have. All that is needed is fertilization by a male. Females may mate multiple times and with different males. Egg laying does not appear to occur in the form of distinct "clutches" so to speak - the eggs are instead deposited singly over a span of time.
Upon emerging from their pupal cells, adult Goliathus can live for at least 8 months in captivity, but once they have exhausted their reproductive potential, they do not survive for much longer. Females usually die shortly after laying all of their eggs, a process which usually occurs over a period of around 6 months. Males can mate many times, though their ability to fertilize probably decreases with age.
The only way to tell if a female Goliathus has already been fertilized is if she lays viable eggs. Obtaining adults that are in prime breeding condition is not generally an issue, since like most other Scarabaeidae, Goliathus stock is usually purchased in the form of larvae. In this way, the hobbyist can be assured of producing adults that have not yet laid their eggs.
Because they are extremely difficult, Goliathus is not a genus recommended for those who have just begun working with beetles. There are other genera of large scarabs (such as Dynastes and Chalcosoma) which are just as large and spectacular in appearance, yet far less problematic to raise.
C. Campbell
- GOLIATHUS - |
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