Axolotl Posted September 27, 2019 Report Share Posted September 27, 2019 I came upon some Osmoderma ermicola this summer and decided to try my hand at rearing them in captivity. My male and female died within a month or so as I expected, but I also ended up with 15 larvae at various stages. I'm certain of the 1i larva, as they hatched from eggs laid by the female in a separate container, but I'm uncertain of the larger larva I dug out of the dying willow. I'm not certain if the largest are 2i or 3i; they are approximately 2" long. I'm keeping the larva communally in rotted wood taken from the dead tree in which I found them. I've read through some postings on the forum about Osmoderma, and seen their diapause mentioned. I've observed them slowing down as the summer turns to fall. I anticipate that they will enter diapause soon. My questions: -- How big is each stage before molting into the next? -- Is it better to keep them in my bug room at a constant 82F while they diapause or should I keep them at room temperature during that time? Or refrigerate them as I do my salamanders? -- Is two years the actual time it takes from egg to adult? I've seen it listed at up to 5 years on some sites. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dynastes Posted October 2, 2019 Report Share Posted October 2, 2019 If the larvae are 2" they are probably L3. Assuming L3 they should make pupal cells around March. Do not refrigerate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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