Artificial Pupal Cell

[Ratmosphere]

As we know with breeding beetles, larvae create pupal cells when he time is right to become adults. However, sometimes the pupal cell they make can collapse and affect the pupa. I have seen people using the florist foam as an artificial pupal chamber as well as peat cups. Some people even just let nature take its course and watch them become imago in the initial cell they created in their substrate. Which one of these is the preferred method for you guys to prevent birth defects and death?

 

[Jordan]

If a pupae cell collapses it is probably the breeders fault. The cells holds together pretty well so unless you are bumping the container around or intentionally digging into it, I don't see why they would get damaged. Well if you keep larvae housed together that could also cause damage.

I am one of those people who can't leave pupae cells alone though. Once I can see a pupae I always dig into the top of it VERY CAREFULLY so that I can easily check on the pupae to make sure development is going as it should. Even though I do this I don't recommend it because you could easily dig a little to far and hit the pupae.

I have damaged some pupae cells in this process and It was completely my fault! When making artificial cells I just use the substrate that the pupae was in. just pressing it with my fingers or a spoon I can get it to look pretty similar to the original cell. It just doesn't have a top to it. In a controlled environment it doesn't need a top though. I've never had an issue with them eclosing properly.

Basically if you aren't sure what to do the best thing to do is just let it happen naturally. Don't mess with them unless you have to and you usually won't run into any problems.

 

[Ratmosphere]

Thank you man. I really just want to rear beetles with straight mandibles and in near perfect condition.

 

[Shade of Eclipse]

Collapsed pupal cells in individual containers are normally the result of either poor substrate composition or substrate that has been kept too loose or too shallow. Substrates that are chunky or have very uneven particle sizes can often produce pupal cells that collapse. Loose or shallow substrates give away too easily when the larvae are pushing substrate around to form their sturdy pupal cells--they need firm substrate that provides resistance as they push.

Artificial pupal cells may become necessary if the container the pupal cells were produced in were too small to accomodate a proper-sized cell. Male stag beetles with long mandibles will require longer cells so that they can emerge and then reposition their heads without their mandibles becoming bent in the process.

It does not matter what material your pupal cells are composed of. I usually use paper towels to form my artificial cells. Make sure that whatever material you use, it must be grippable so that they can right themselves to harden their wings properly and it must not collapse on them if they attempt to grip it.

From my experience, some pupal cells can be opened from the top so that at least 60% of the cell is intact without adverse affects. The only exception would be flower beetles that require an intact pupal cell to successfully eclose.

 

[Ratmosphere]

Looks like my substrate is in proper form then.

Thank you Shade always coming through with the helpful tips as always.

 

[Acro]

Ratmosphere,

I've read that old pupa cells can also be used.

Shade of Eclipse,

Gymnetis caseyi is a flower beetle that does not require an intact pupal cell to successfully eclose. I often open mine a little, so I can view their changes.