Osmoderma sp. Pupation

[Zephyr]

After checking on my Osmoderma larvae for the first time in 2 weeks I found one in a pupation chamber (I didn't open it as I read somewhere that after damaging the chamber they rarely finish pupating) and I know there are probably 2 more. My question is, can I remove these chambers and put them on some damp/moist paper towel instead of leaving them under all the wood in the enclosure? I'm a little concerned that due to my recent business if I don't see the beetles immediately after eclosing I'll forget to give them food and they'll perish.

 

[Beetle-Experience]

Zephyr,

That is exactly what I do with Cetonids - remove the pupal cells to a different container with moist paper towels or moist dirt. I usually try to be as careful as I can while I move them and try to orient the cells the same way that they were found (down is down).

Steven

 

[Zephyr]

Zephyr,

That is exactly what I do with Cetonids - remove the pupal cells to a different container with moist paper towels or moist dirt. I usually try to be as careful as I can while I move them and try to orient the cells the same way that they were found (down is down).

Steven

Alright, done. I've got them all properly aligned, with about 1" of space between each chamber. How long until I see big, beautiful beetles?

 

[Dynastes]

That species is an odd one. I've seen adults come out in under a month and have seen them take more than four, often not related to temperature. Usually if they're in the same group they'll emerge together.

 

[Zephyr]

That species is an odd one. I've seen adults come out in under a month and have seen them take more than four, often not related to temperature. Usually if they're in the same group they'll emerge together.

That's good info.

I didn't have a chance to/ didn't know how to sex the larvae, but as for the adults, should I assume the larger ones are females?