Detailed Explanation of Breeding Techniques and Processing Methods for the Gold-edged Ground Beetle

The gold-edged ground beetle is an excellent variety, with fast reproduction and growth, relatively simple rearing methods, low artificial breeding costs, and good sales returns.

1. Preparation of rearing site and clay jars. After old rural houses are cleaned and disinfected, any flat place that can provide shade and shelter from rain is suitable for placing clay jars to rear gold-edged ground beetles. Clay jars generally have an outer diameter of 49 cm and a height of 58 cm. Level the ground, place a water basin, place the clay jar on the water basin, then place 3-4 layers of bricks inside the clay jar (leaving gaps) to absorb water and regulate humidity, then place a 30 cm high stone on the bricks, and the seedlings can be released for rearing. To prevent the gold-edged ground beetles from escaping or being harmed by natural enemies, the jar opening should be covered with mesh gauze.

2. Stocking density. Generally, stocking involves trapping wild gold-edged ground beetles for breeding, and most are required to be adults, which will soon lay eggs and reproduce. Therefore, only 100-150 beetles should be stocked per jar.

3. Feed and feeding method. The gold-edged ground beetle is an omnivorous insect that likes to eat wheat bran, rice bran, soybean cake, soybean dregs, etc., and also eats various green feeds such as green grass, vegetable leaves, and melon and fruit peels. Stir-fried wheat bran, rice bran, soybean cake, and soybean dregs can increase its appetite, and green feed must be kept fresh and clean. The gold-edged ground beetle is a nocturnal insect that hides by day and comes out at night, so feeding time should be in the evening, and the amount fed should be appropriate. Usually, feed once every evening, observe the remaining feed early the next morning; if it has been eaten clean, the amount should be appropriately increased the next day. Remove leftover feed promptly to prevent mold and rot.

4. Suitable temperature and humidity environment. Temperature is an important condition for the growth of the gold-edged ground beetle, with 20-35°C being suitable. When the temperature is below 15°C, its activity level is relatively weak; when the temperature exceeds 38°C, attention should be paid to ventilation and cooling. The humidity inside the jar must be strictly controlled, generally with a relative humidity of about 75% being suitable.

5. Prevention and control of natural enemies, diseases, and pests. The main natural enemy of the gold-edged ground beetle is ants, so a water basin must be placed under the jar to prevent ants from invading; lime etc. can also be spread outside the water basin. Clay jars, bricks, stones, etc. must first be disinfected by exposure to sunlight and strictly checked; mites must never be brought into the jar. Strictly control the feed: wheat bran, rice bran, and soybean cake should first be stir-fried over low heat, which can both kill mites and give the feed a fragrant aroma to stimulate the appetite of the gold-edged ground beetle.

6. Processing and @#@136@#@. When the gold-edged ground beetle grows to the size of a one-yuan coin and reaches the sales specification, it can be processed and sold. The simple processing method is to gather the commercial ground beetles in jars, basins, or other containers, scald them to death with boiling water, then dry them in the sun or by heating, and they can be sold to the local medicinal materials purchasing department.