Invertebrate · Beetle
Derby's flower beetle care guide
Dicronorhina derbyana
The derby's flower beetle is a intermediate-level beetle from East and Southern Africa. Adults reach Body 3–4 cm and live Adults 3–6 months (1 year from egg) in captivity. Metallic green flower beetle; larvae need flake soil rich in decaying leaves.
- Enclosure 30 × 20 × 30 cm
- Temp 22–27°C
- Humidity 60–70%
How much does a derby's flower beetle cost in Canada?
Derby's flower beetle quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- Body 3–4 cm
- Lifespan
- Adults 3–6 months (1 year from egg)
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- East and Southern Africa
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 20 × 30 cm (12 × 8 × 12 in, ≈ 5 US gal)
- Housing
- A colony species – best kept in a group.
- Temperature
- 22–27°C
- Humidity
- 60–70%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Adults: frugivore – fruit, beetle jelly. Larvae: rotting leaves and wood
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Derby's flower beetle enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 20 × 30 cm (12 × 8 × 12 inches). A colony species – best kept in a group. This species suits a invertebrate colony bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix15 cm
Leaf litter is food here, not decoration – keep a thick layer topped up. Keep one side damper than the other.
Temperature: 22–27°C. Humidity: 60–70%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a derby's flower beetle eat?
Adults: frugivore – fruit, beetle jelly. Larvae: rotting leaves and wood. Give adults fruit or beetle jelly every 2–3 days; keep larval substrate rich in decaying leaves.
Handling, temperament & health
Adults fly well and are gentle.
Health watch: Larvae decline in poor or overly wet substrate.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Nothing needed most days.
Weekly
- Mist the damp side; add vegetables or protein food in small amounts and remove leftovers after 24–48 h.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter and add a calcium source (cuttlebone).
- Thin out the colony or split it if it gets crowded.
Yearly
- Replace about a third of the soil, which turns into frass over time.
Recommended for a derby's flower beetle bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 20 × 30 cm).
Derby's flower beetle FAQ
Is the derby's flower beetle good for beginners?
The derby's flower beetle is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Adults fly well and are gentle.
What size enclosure does a derby's flower beetle need?
At least 30 × 20 × 30 cm (about 12 × 8 × 12 inches, roughly 5 US gallons) for one adult. A colony species – best kept in a group.
How much does a derby's flower beetle cost in Canada?
Typically $20–50 CAD to buy, about $110–180 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $30–60 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a derby's flower beetle need?
Temperature: 22–27°C. Humidity: 60–70%.
What does a derby's flower beetle eat?
Adults: frugivore – fruit, beetle jelly. Larvae: rotting leaves and wood. Give adults fruit or beetle jelly every 2–3 days; keep larval substrate rich in decaying leaves.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.