Beetle Breeding Kinshi Pots (Fermented Hardwood Substrate)
Suitable for:
1. Stag Beetle Larvae
2. Millipedes
3. Isopods
4. Other invertebrates that feed on wood and fungi
Kinshi is a premium, fermented hardwood substrate that has been inoculated with mushroom mycelia (oyster). This mycelia substrate is intended for use as a food source for stag beetle larvae (cannot be used as pure feed for rhino and flower beetles), and can also be broken up to be used as a supplement for other wood-feeding invertebrates. These were originally developed in the Japanese beetle breeding hobby to provide a biologically active and consistent feeding medium that is more stable than flake soil and can raise large adults.
The substrate consists of finely processed hardwood sawdust that has undergone controlled fungal fermentation, resulting in a soft, fibrous structure readily consumed by larvae. Once a larva is introduced into the pot, it will tunnel in and feed internally, gradually breaking down the substrate.
Kinshi can overwhelm sensitive L1 larvae, so it is recommended to transfer larvae into kinshi only after they have become L2/L3.
Instructions for use with stag beetle larvae:
1. The kinshi pot will arrive ready to use.
2. Dig out a small hole in the top of the kinshi substrate that is large enough for the larva to fit inside.
3. Place the larva in and cover lightly with old substrate.
4. Replace the lid tightly and use as normal.
Instructions for use with detritivorous invertebrates:
1. The kinshi pot will arrive ready to use.
2. Pop out the kinshi block from the pot.
3. Either lightly bury the block in the substrate of your terrarium, or break up the block into small pieces and mix into your bioactive terrarium substrate.
Precautions for use:
1. As kinshi is a living bioactive block of mushroom mycelia, a kinshi pot will have a shelf life of approximately 2-3 months at room temperature (or up to 6 months at 5 °C) before it should be discarded due to deterioration
2. When using a kinshi pot for stag beetle larvae, the provided ventilation hole is enough. Increasing ventilation further will cause the kinshi to fruit, which drastically lowers the nutritional value of the substrate and cause it to degrade at a rapid rate.
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