Mecynorrhina torquata
One of the largest and most colourful flower beetles in the hobby. A natural step up from Pachnoda for keepers wanting something bigger.
About Mecynorrhina torquata
Mecynorrhina torquata is a large cetoniine (flower beetle) native to Central and East Africa. Adults can reach 50–85mm in length, making them among the largest flower beetles available. Males have a distinctive head horn. Their colouration ranges from olive green to dark brown depending on subspecies, often with pale markings.
They are widely captive-bred in Europe and legal to keep in the UK. For keepers who have successfully raised Pachnoda, Mecynorrhina is a good one to try next. It's bigger, and they live longer too.
Enclosure & substrate (larvae)
Individual containers are recommended, with 3+ litres of substrate per larva. Mecynorrhina larvae are larger than Pachnoda larvae and more competitive; separation prevents size variation and so every larva gets enough food and space to grow properly.
Flake soil is needed for good growth. A mix of flake soil and white-rotted hardwood gives the best results. Replace every 2–3 months. Substrate compaction is important for pupal cell formation at the L3 stage.
Adult enclosure & substrate
Provide coconut fibre 10–15cm deep, bark pieces for climbing, and a shallow dish of beetle jelly. A well-ventilated enclosure with room to move is important. These are large beetles that benefit from space.
Feeding
Larvae feed on flake soil only. Adults eat beetle jelly, banana, apple, and other soft fruits. Males can be aggressive at feeding stations, so provide multiple jelly dishes to reduce competition.
Lifecycle
Eggs hatch in 2–3 weeks. The larval period is 6–10 months (shorter than Dynastinae). L3 larvae are large. The pupal period lasts 4–6 weeks. Adults live 3–6 months.