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Beetles and beetle larvae are very easy to keep and raise, but the most effort and road block for new Australian beetle keepers will be flake soil. What is flake soil? It’s the fermented wood required to feed certain species of beetle larvae. These larvae survive exclusively on decomposing wood until they pupate and become adults, who then eat a sweet diet rich in sugars and fruits. Unfermented wood that is yet to decompose is too difficult for many beetle larvae to eat, so it must be broken down by fungi through fermentation.  A well developed rhinoceros beetle grub on...

Vinegar Eels are most commonly known as a very easy to culture live food in the aquarium hobby. As the name suggests, they can live in vinegar- but they are not “eels” and are actually tiny nematode worms. They are most suited as a starter food for feeding young and tiny fish that are too small to feed on microworms and newly hatched baby brine shrimp, which are similar in size. Species: Panagrellus sppCommon name: Vinegar EelGroup: NematodesSize: 1mm Lifespan: 10 months (as individuals)Diet: Bacteria and yeast in the vinegar.Appearance: Very tiny white worms. Can be seen by naked eye...

Microworms are most commonly known as a very easy to culture live food in the aquarium hobby. These are nematodes that live on starchy environments that are rich in living yeast. They are most suited for feeding young fish fry that need very small food. Species: Panagrellus sppCommon name: MicrowormGroup: NematodesSize: 1.5mm in length.Lifespan: 20-25 days (as individuals)Diet: Active live yeast.Appearance: Very tiny white worms. Will appear as glistening movement inside an active live culture.  Housing Our recommended size: Jars or takeaway containers with a tightly fitting lid. The lid does not need holes for air, so long as the container...

These DIY recipes work best with cultures kept at temperatures of 18-24C, as fermentation is required to raise fruit flies quickly and prevent mold. These recipes make enough food medium for multiple cultures depending on the size of your container. Feel free to try these recipes and make personal adjustments to your needs at home.Note: Made some changes to simplify recipes in early April 2022. We hope this helps! Banana and Oat Base This recipe matures flies a bit slower than typical, but lasts longer.Ingredients: Half a banana (ripe-overripe is best) 1 tablespoon of sugar Oat bran  Active baker’s yeast...