Peanut Beetle Culture

Starter peanut beetle larvae culture. Active larvae included. 

Peanut beetle larvae are one of my favorite tiny feeders for jumping spiders, mantids, small tarantulas, and other small insectivorous inverts. They are soft-bodied, easy to grab, and a great option when fruit flies are too small or you want something a little more substantial.

They are incredibly nutritious, with an approximate profile of 55% crude protein, 18% crude fat, 3% ash, and 24% carbohydrates. They are best used as part of a varied feeder rotation.

Each culture includes a mix of larvae and adult beetles in an established substrate so the colony can continue producing at home.

Care:

• Keep the culture dry and well ventilated

• Best kept around 75–85°F

• Use oats for adult beetles or wheat bran for larvae, plus a 1" layer of peanuts

• Peanuts can be shelled or unshelled, roasted or unroasted

• Unroasted peanuts are usually preferred because they contain more oil

• Offer small pieces of squash for moisture

• Remove squash before it molds

• Do not mist or add water directly to the culture

• Keep away from condensation and excess humidity

With proper care, adults will continue laying eggs and the culture can produce larvae indefinitely.