The genus Goliathus, although part of the Cetoniinae sub-family of Scarabaeidae, are unlike the other genera in the family. Recent advances in our understanding of their life cycle and husbandry requirements, particularly the larval stage, have allowed for the possibility of the genus to be removed from permitting requirements.

Unlike other beetle species that currently fall under the PPQ permitting system, Goliathus larvae survive on an all protein diet. The larvae actively hunt prey and, also unlike other cetonids, have long and curved tarsal claws.

The USDA does not regulate other insectivores, like Ground Beetles, spiders, scorpions and centipedes. Dung Beetles are also not regulated, and even many exotic species of roaches have recently been allowed to be deregulated.

There are 5 species in the genus and all have similar habits and husbandry requirements:

LARVAE:

• Goliathus larvae require an all-protein diet and will starve without one
• Unlike other cetonid larvae, Goliathus have tarsal claws to capture and hold prey
• Goliathus larvae will attack and eat other larvae, even as hatchlings
• Larvae and eggs can not survive periods where temperatures fall below 69° Fahrenheit - this should exclude all of the continental U.S.

ADULTS:

• Are found in equatorial Africa
• Do not eat fruit in the wild, instead they eat tree sap
• They congregate near sap flows in the canopy
• Their habitat is diminishing due to deforestation
• Are not known as fruit or crop pests

FURTHER READING:

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