Lucanus elaphus larvae

Jordan

Jordan

Pupa
I have had lucanus elaphus larvae for a while now, six of which had already became adults around the end of summer. I was keeping 5 together just to see how they would do. I seperated them once they other six became adults and I saw that the 5 had not yet created pupa cells. At this time the 5 still have not pupated which is odd to me because i am assuming they came from the same parent.

There is one I am currently most concerned about. While it seems that the others are starting to create pupa cells, one has decided to come to the surface. It doesn't seem to be wondering though. It is just constantly resting in the same area on the side of the cup. it seems to have displaced the substrate around it a little bit to create a dip. The pictures dont show this extremely well but i think it might be creating a pupa cell on the surface? is this normal? All of my other have created the cell at the bottom. The other cause for concern is that this larvae has a black growth spot. I've read that in later stages this may not cause issues but ill just have to keep my fingers crossed. The larvae seems to be yellowing out which give me some hope though.

Any thoughts or advice?

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When a larva is usually on the surface, it means there's something wrong with the substrate or humidity.

But mostly, it's because of the substrate. Many of my larva died like this, and i didn't know why until few months ago.

If it stays out there more than a day, then add more wood content in there.

 
That's a rather large spot...looks like a huge bruise almost. Any other bug and or insect get in there possibly? A roach or anything?

 
a lot of my larvae died in the same way and for me it was because the dog food I used which created too many mites on there, those mites get on the larvae and it really irritates them....another reason is its too humid and they often come up to the top to breath, but if he constantly comes up to the top then its not good...also that black spot on him does not look good...it looks like a bite mark to me...

 
found this


From The Complete Guide To Breeding Beetles:

Grubs often end up with black spots commonly called "black spot disease." The spots are, however, a symptom resulting from various ills. The black markings are formed by a buildup of melanin and are akin to a scar or a scab. Causes include bacterial infections, bites from certain nematodes and mites, malnutrition, and damage caused by other larvae or the keeper. If numerous spots are seen, the first step is to check and replace the substrate. Larvae that have been poorly kept and fed often end up growing damage spots. so improvements in substrate can be too late. However, most rhinocerous beetles and flower beetles can recover from black spots and become strong, healthy adults. Unfortunately, even just one or two black spots on a stag, jewel, scarab and darkling beetle larvare are usually a death sentence.

 
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