Dynastes tityus Diapause question

DynastesDee

DynastesDee

Tenebrio
What is the smallest size container I can use for Dynastes tityus diapause? I have a small fridge that is always at around 50°F, some 5.5 oz deli containers and some peat moss to maintain moisture.   

 
I diapause my tityus adults individually in 8 ounce deli containers at 40F. I fill them up within an inch of the top with damp, oak sub. About 50 thumb tack size holes are punched in the lid.

 
Thank you, will a 2” tall 8 oz deli container work for diapause? What is the shortest time I could put Dynastes tityus in diapause?

 
Nathan said:
I diapause my tityus adults individually in 8 ounce deli containers at 40F. I fill them up within an inch of the top with damp, oak sub. About 50 thumb tack size holes are punched in the lid.
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Hi Nathan. How long do you keep them at 40F? So you wait for them to emerge at room temperature and then when they emerge you put them in the cooler? Thank you for your help!

 
Mine are pretty much in sync with the wild ones from the same locale. They are eclosing in their pupal cells from September to October. I wait until each fresh adult is well hardened off, about three weeks before putting them into the cold. I hibernate them in my attic, so when they first go in there the temp is usually around 55F. It gradually cools down in there as the outside temps drop. The lowest it ever gets there is about 36F.

You definitely do not want to wait for them to emerge from their pupal cells and then put them in the cold!

 
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