Darklings with split elytra?

[Hisserdude]

Some of my darkling pupa have been enclosing into adults with split elytra at the tips. Is there a reason why they are split? What am I doing wrong? And if they mate, will the offspring have split elytra? Sorry for all the different questions. Thanks in advance!

 

[Hisserdude]

Oh, I meant to put this in the health section, sorry!

 

[LarvaHunter]

This happened to several of my P. truncatus as well as other species, I would like an answer to this question too.

 

[Lucanus]

One of the common reason for such phenomenon is the problem with the pupal cell. Perhaps the pupal cells that the larvae have built weren't suitable for expanding elytra?

 

[Hisserdude]

Mine pupate in one of those craft boxes with the compartments, and there is lots of room for them to move around. One pupa enclosed today and has the same problem.

do you think it would pass on to the offspring? Like it is genetic or something?

 

[LarvaHunter]

It looks like the body's are too big for the Electra.

 

[Lucanus]

Mine pupate in one of those craft boxes with the compartments, and there is lots of room for them to move around. One pupa enclosed today and has the same problem.

do you think it would pass on to the offspring? Like it is genetic or something?

Can't say for sure. Can you post pics of the environment you are keeping the adults in?

 

[Hisserdude]

sure, will try to post pics soon.