Confused Rice Flour Beetle (Tribolium confusum)

Confused Flour Beetles (Tribolium confusum)

Confused flour beetles (Tribolium confusum) are a popular choice among insectivorous pet owners and breeders, valued for their easy care and the nutritional benefits they offer. These small beetles are excellent feeders for a range of animals, from reptiles and amphibians to small birds and fish.

Care Instructions:
To maintain a thriving culture of confused flour beetles, keep them at a temperature between 70-90°F, with low humidity in a well-ventilated container. They thrive in a dry environment with a substrate of whole wheat flour, bran, or cornmeal. The beetles and larvae feed on the substrate, so ensure it's free of contaminants and mold. 

Propagation:
Confused flour beetles reproduce quickly and easily. They reach adulthood within 30-40 days, depending on temperature. Females lay eggs directly in the food substrate, which hatch into larvae after about 5-12 days. The larvae, which are the primary source of nutrition for pets, mature into adults over the course of 30-90 days. To maintain a steady supply, periodically add fresh substrate and remove excess beetles or larvae if the container becomes overcrowded.

Feeder Benefits:
Confused flour beetle larvae are a nutritional powerhouse for many insectivores, rich in protein and healthy fats. According to entomologist Dr. Stanley Hartley, "Tribolium confusum provides an ideal balance of macronutrients and can significantly benefit the health and growth of insectivorous pets." They make a reliable, low-maintenance food source for animals like reptiles (e.g., geckos, bearded dragons), amphibians (e.g., frogs), and various fish species that consume small, protein-rich prey.

Adding confused flour beetles to your feeder selection not only offers variety but also provides a sustainable and nutritious diet option for your pet.

These are starter cultures. They have been seeded with beetles and larvae but are not quite ready to feed. They come from my master colony that has been producing for a year.