I have a question about determining what larval stage my larvae are in by weight? For example my Dhh larvae are 0.69 grams and 0.53 grams would they be considered as L1's still? Also I'm not sure if my Dynastes tityus is L2 at 3.32 grams or would it be a early L3? I'm still very new at this.
Larval stage question?
- Thread starter OrchidAlchemist
- Start date
Shade of Eclipse
Fresh Imago
You generally do not determine larval stage by weight since it is extremely variable not only because the weight of the start of an instar could be the weight of the end of another, but also because nutrition will also affect larval weight. It's much easier determining larval stage by looking at the size of the head capsule since that is something that has far less variability within each instar. The head capsule does not shrink or grow and only changes size with molts.
So these are two (of three) of my dhh larvae. They both weigh about 1.7g in this photo. See the difference in size of their head capsules? At first I was confused why I hadn't noticed the differences in head capsule size prior, but then a week or so later I noticed they all had the same size head capsule (as the other two with smaller ones grew in size). So, I came to the conclusion that the one on the left I believe just molted to L2 stage and the one on the right is still in L1, close to molting to L2. Just thought that was really interesting.
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Ah okay I see the difference! So far both of mine are still L1 while my Dynastes Tityus is L2 but getting larger. Once the Dhh become L2 they each get their own containers so they can have space to grow.
My three DHH are still in one container together but I'm going to switch them to each have their own tomorrow. As for my Dynastes Granti..all four of them are still in L1 (had them since end of October). Began with 5, one died a few weeks ago. Not sure why they aren't growing. Also none of my larvae seem to eat dog food if I put any in there. It molds within a few days. Any idea if larvae will still eat them moldy? I heard that larvae will eat white mold.
DynastinaeLucanidae
Pupa
If the container you're housing your larvae is too spacious, it will prevent them from finding and consuming the dog food. They will continue to feed on the dog food until the molds turn to darker green, brown, or black. When it comes to feeding dog food to larvae, you want to minimize the time of foraging and maximize nutrient consumption. It is recommended to house one larva in a container in order to perform such method and avoid larval conflict/competition.
DynastinaeLucanidae
Pupa
You also want to make sure that you do not add too many pellets for sanitation purposes (mite explosion, mildew, foul odor, bacterial growth).
My Dynastes Granti are all four in one container as I read that could help growth until they reach L2 and then change to each have their own. I'm still at a loss why they won't grow. I think I'll just guy some substrate for theme online. Feeding them dog pellets though..wouldn't they smell and go towards it to eat them? Should I put them in smaller separate containers to experiment if they will eat the moist dog food? I've seen a video before when this guy put pellets on top of each small container (like these larvae were in small salad dressing size containers) and they all wiggled and dragged the pellet down to eat it. That is definitely minimalizing space to eat it..
I haven't given my larvae dog food and they are in 32 ounce containers. Mine seem to be fine at the moment and I'm going to not disturb them for another month so I don't stress them out too much.
Well I just ordered some 100% hardwood substrate from bugsincyberspace and feeding pellets on there. Once I receive it I'll change the substrate for my D. Granti and see what happens. Perhaps the cold temperature in the room they are in may be affecting their growth rate..but 3 months and no growth seems bizarre to me. Thank you all for your feedback and suggestions.
arizonablue
Fresh Imago
I've used the substrates from BIC and have been very pleased with them. I've got some D. tityus larvae that have been going through the 50% hardwood mix like crazy. If you're keeping them in a cold location, that could definitely be keeping them from growing. If you can move them to a warmer location, that would probably help!
As far as substrate goes for my Dhh larvae I have part monster flakes and part 100% hardwood and they're really happy. For my Dynastes tityus I just have it in the 100% hardwood substrate. I'm in a cold place (mostly during the winter) but I keep them near the heater and have the containers wrapped with a blanket to keep them warm.
I'm not sure but I think its rotten hardwood flakes mixed with soil not sure though. You could ask them it's Titan Monster Beetle Shop on facebook. It's specially made for large beetles like Dhh and they really like it. I might have to get some more flake soil since they'll be growing a lot bigger.
DynastinaeLucanidae
Pupa
I would put the dog food at the bottom of the container where you usually house the larvae for them to easily feed on. I can tell you from my observations in the past that larvae of Dynastids usually travel horizontally, unless provided with poor substrate or lack of oxygen will they choose to travel to the surface. Their growth rate will be slower in colder environment but that condition can be manipulated by providing insulation around the container. A temperature reading from 20 to 26 degrees Celsius is suitable for most Dynastids, unless you're rearing Dynastes neptunus.
DynastinaeLucanidae
Pupa
Do keep in mind if you were to provide some kind of heating that you do not exceed the temperature ranges to a dangerous level for the larvae. You may also have to check the moisture level of the substrate due to evaporation.
Larvae that drags dog food down sounds like Goliathus ssp. L3 Goliathus seems to be interested in only "meat/protein." I don't feed my Dynastes dog food. If your substrate can be digested by the larvae, they should be ok without dog food.
I believe the micro organisms has great impact on larvae's food digestion, especially L1, when they probably have less micro organisms in their stomach. Therefore, I tend to feed L1 Dynastes the substrate that's slightly more decayed because it should be easier to digest....? And I add decayed wood pieces and less decayed substrate starting L2.
I use less decayed substrate because that can minimize the frequency that I change their substrate. In other words, less disturbance.
Some larvae will hold still and not eat if they sense any big vibrations around them. Try to place them in areas that would have the least disturbance if possible.
Im moving within a month...I hope the move wont stress out my beetles too much XDDDD
I believe the micro organisms has great impact on larvae's food digestion, especially L1, when they probably have less micro organisms in their stomach. Therefore, I tend to feed L1 Dynastes the substrate that's slightly more decayed because it should be easier to digest....? And I add decayed wood pieces and less decayed substrate starting L2.
I use less decayed substrate because that can minimize the frequency that I change their substrate. In other words, less disturbance.
Some larvae will hold still and not eat if they sense any big vibrations around them. Try to place them in areas that would have the least disturbance if possible.
Im moving within a month...I hope the move wont stress out my beetles too much XDDDD