Depth of substrate?

C

charx53

Tenebrio
How many inches of substrate is it necessary to have in order for allomyrina dichotoma to pupate?

I feel they should have pupated already. Could this be due to weather (as it is cold)? Not enough substrate depth? I know length of my container is enough, but I'm second guessing the depth now.. Moisture is good..they have thrived thus far but seem to be stuck. Maybe I'm just impatient..

Any thoughts?

Thanks!!

Charles

 
Are they surfacing?

if you don't have enough depth, they will most likely be doing that when they need to pupae.

open your container and see if the larvae left any "crawl marks" on the surface of the substrate.

 
Pewrune said:
Are they surfacing?

if you don't have enough depth, they will most likely be doing that when they need to pupate

open your container and see if the larvae left any "crawl marks" on the surface of the substrate.
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As far as I have noticed.. they have been moving along the bottom.

 
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Well, I got them end of October and they were in L3 stage. I suppose I'll be more patient then. I just wasn't sure if I was doing something wrong. I think they're in about 3 or so inches.

 
You'll either see them disappear or actually see them building the chamber. When they are in the pupal stage, I use two peat cups as an artificial pupal cell. I spray the inside of the cups for humidity. Using peat cups prevents deformities.

 
Ratmosphere said:
It does but there's always the chance that the pupal cell can cave in. You can get them at Lowes or online.
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So are you saying once they make their pupal chamber and pupate, I should enclose the pupa within an artificial pupal cell? Correct me if I'm wrong..just a bit confused and trying to clarify.

 
You can do whatever you want! I just choose this technique to be safe. This way they don't end up with a curved horn or other defects.

 
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Seems like a good blend! Just give it time. If you see your larvae disappear for a few months, I'd check them to see if they pupated. Are the larvae a yellow color instead of white?

 
Yes, they are yellow! I've not been checking on them much because I didn't want to disturb them. I have checked on them twice within the last two months and they've still been gaining, although one did lose a couple grams. I'll just keep waiting and being patient. Thanks!

 
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