Websites like BugsDirect, Peter’s Pets, or local insect forums.

Tiny, fragile, and just hatched. High risk for beginners. L2 (Second Instar): Mid-sized and more resilient.

Many sellers sell larvae "unsexed," meaning you won't know if you have a male with big mandibles or a female until they are older.

When you buy a larva, it will be in one of three stages of development:

Reptile and insect expos often have vendors selling "L1" or "L2" stage larvae.

You can typically find stag beetle larvae (often Dorcus or Lucanus species) through specialized insect breeders and online shops.