Osmoderma opicum larva

Osmoderma opicum, the Japanese hermit beetle, originally comes from Japan and belongs to the leaf horn beetle family (Scarabaeidae). These beetles reach a size of 2 to 4 cm and live in nature mainly in old, hollow trees, where their larvae develop in rotting wood. The species is popular with beetle enthusiasts due to its interesting lifestyle and breeding conditions.

When breeding, care should be taken to place the larvae in a sufficient amount of substrate for overwintering as soon as they take on a yellowish colour. Temperatures can drop as low as 2°C. It is fascinating that pupation takes place precisely at this stage and the beetles hatch in April/May and immediately start laying eggs.

They are relatively easy to care for and feed on various substrates, with old, soft flake soil being the most suitable. This substrate mimics the rotting wood in which they naturally live. In addition to their impressive size, they are a beautiful and interesting species that is a pleasure to breed.