Meracantha Contracta

B

Bugboy3092

Strategus
Hey y’all, so yesterday I found a couple of meracantha contracta adults. I’m not sure if they’re male and/or female (I plan to get more soon). Is there a definite and reliable way to breed these and raise their larvae? I feel like I’ve heard speculations and tidbits of info here and there, but at this point isn’t there a surefire guide to it? Thanks to all who respond!

 
They pretty much should have an almost completely to completely moist substrate with great ventilation for the adults. They eat the typical darkling foods. Larvae that were F1s from Illinois required a diapause for pupation, but I'm not sure if they would if they were from a localion that didn't have as harsh of winters.

 
Coconut fiber works great as the main substrate, sand is entirely unnecessary. They should be kept moist, and the adults will appreciate bark and such to rest on. Good ventilation is appreciated, and the normal darkling diet works great. 

 
All About Arthropods said:
Sand always adds some extra stability to the substrate for pupal chambers. 😛 
Click to expand...
True, but it may be a bit abrasive for this species, as they don't live in sandy areas... And compressed, moist coconut fiber should be more than stable enough of a pupating medium for a relatively small species like this. :)

 
Do you guys know if M. contracta pupates within the rotting wood, under the bark, or falls to the ground to pupate? This is more out of curiosity than anything, I'm too far south now for that species.

 
pannaking22 said:
Do you guys know if M. contracta pupates within the rotting wood, under the bark, or falls to the ground to pupate? This is more out of curiosity than anything, I'm too far south now for that species.
Click to expand...
They probably pupate within rotten wood or in the soil just below rotten logs, in captivity they'll pupate fine in pure coconut fiber though, moist and compressed that is. Rotten wood is not needed for any stage in the life cycle thankfully, it does seem like a diapause is needed for some strains though... (at least it was needed for large larvae from the strain you sent me). 

 
Last edited by a moderator:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top