Help with pupation emergency

R

rottingwithkim

Egg
I have accidentally damaged my boas oryctes’ pupal cell after he has already spent over 40 days in it. The damage was small enough for me to mend it with a damp paper towel, but I noticed something strange. 

The beetle is still a grub, and tried to climb out when it was damaged. He has since calmed down and returned to his original position. But shouldn’t he have started pupating by now? Considering that he’s been in there for over 40 days already. I worry that he will become exhausted and die before he finally begins pupating.

Please give me advice on how to manage this situation, and please be kind. Right now he’s in his pupal cell, which I’ve mended with a damp paper towel. He is calm and still, and not trying to come out.

UPDATE:

He has completely mended the hole. I am amazed at the strength and intelligence of these creatures. Let’s hope all goes well!

 
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I'm sorry I don't have any experience with the species you are asking about but I do know that some beetles such as cotinis mutabilis, which I am trying to get established myself, will stay in their pupa cell and remain as larvae for up to a few months, possibly three or more, and if disturbed they will leave the pupa cell and likely die. I had this happen with one larvae and broke the fragile cell of another, two whole months after the fact and it was still a grub. If the grub looked healthy and it stayed in the cell then things may turn out. Hopefully someone with more experience will give you some advice but I wouldn't fret too much it may be normal for your species to delay pupation for some time.

 
I appreciate you response!! Luckily he didn’t come out. I think he was more so just a little bit concerned why he could see light. But for now he is staying inside the cell as he was before. I hope that things will work out. Thank you once again.

 
Cotinis, like other flower beetles, can be hard to rear due to pupation. Luckily, Dynastid larvae are among the easiest.

 
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