ECOLOGY
Pelidnota punctata, commonly known as the grapevine beetle, is a strikingly colorful beetle in the family Rutelinae. Reaching a maximum length of 28 mm, this species has a recorded adult lifespan of over 6 months in captivity. Widespread accross Eastern North America, Pelidnota punctata is a nocturnal species associated with wild grapevine ( Cissus ). Eggs are laid in rotten stumps and logs of hardwood trees. Upon hatching, larvae will feed and develop within the stump. Pupation occurs several inches beneath the substrate surface with adults emerging in early June. Adults are arboreal in the wild, and as such, this species will greatly benefit from a well designed terrestrial vivarium.
CARE
In captivity, Pelidnota punctata can be kept communally in groups. Humidity should be maintained above 70 % at all times which can be achieved by ensuring a moist but never damp substrate. Substrate should contain a majority % rotten wood based substrate. This species are clumsy and care must be made to ensure the substrate is equipped with bark, moss or other textures to enable the beetle to right themselves should they tumble on their back.
FEEDING
In captivity, larvae of Pelidnota consume rotten wood. Adults prefer banana, watermelon, apple beetle jelly or grapevine leaves.
BREEDING
Breeding Pelidnota punctata in fairly straight - forward. Substrate should contain a large percentage of crumbled, rotten hardwood as well as hardwood logs, mixed with topsoil.
SPECIES : PELIDNOTA PUNCTATA COMMON NAME : SPOTTED GRAPEVINE BEETLE
LIFESPAN : ★★★ COMMUNAL : ★★★★
BREEDING DIFFICULTY : ★
EASE OF ADULT CARE : ★★★★★