Dorcus titanus collecting methods?

[Ed]

I was wondering if anyone on this fourm with some bettle collecting knowledge could give me advice on how to collect Dorcus titanus. Since I've found 2 dead from pesticides where I live, but none alive.

[Ed]

I live in sichuan China, whould UV lights be effective?

[nomad]

I am sorry you are having no luck here. How about obtaining some larvae from a Chinese beetle breeder? and getting a nice series that way. At least you will be able to study the early stages. Here is a link how to breed this species. 


www.beetlebreeding.ch/dorcus-titanus-castanicolor/

www.beetlebreeding.ch/dorcus-titanus-palawanicus-by-kay/

[Ed]

Thanks nomad!
I'll problably try searching for larva under rotting log. I was just hopping that someone whould have some useful tips. Does anybody happen to have any bettle breeders contacts?

[nomad]

You would have to check out the entomological groups within your country to find any Beetle breeders but I am sure there must be some. You can find some beetle suppliers here www.beetlebreeding.ch/beetle-resources/. One seller from Taiwan has dorcus but not your subspecies. Good luck searching for the larvae and adults might be found in the vicinity.

[nomihoudai]

Try a "black" light if you are allowed to do so. I had Dorcus coming to a powerful MV bulb, and when I remember correctly I also got a D. titanus in Indonesia. Looking in old logs is also a good idea if you really like the species, but I think you will also find plenty of other beetle species that you may not want. You will have to find the correct type of log to find the larvae you are after.

[Ed]

Do you happen to know wich tree species Dorcus titanus favors?

[Adam Cotton]

I asked a friend here, and he said that Dorcus titanus lives in local species of oak trees. He said that males can be found living in holes in the live trees, but light trapping mainly only attracts females.

Adam.

[Ed]

Thanks for all the information!

[leon]

I lived in Japan for six years many years ago, where these giants were sold to children to keep as pets. I think that it's probable they're still available that way.
That'd be the easiest way to get them if you were in Japan. But I don't know about China.