Pachnoda marginita burrowing?

[Hypsibius]

I've been caring for a trio of Pachnoda marginita adults (two females, one male) and I've noticed that both of the females are spending a lot of time burrowing into the substrate. Is this normal or is it indicative of anything in particular?

 

[Shade of Eclipse]

They are most likely laying eggs if they've found the substrate suitable for ovipositing in.

 

[Satanas]

females burrow to lay eggs

 

[Hypsibius]

Ooh, I had a feeling this was what they were doing! Do you guys know how long it takes them to lay their eggs? Also, would it be safe to take the eggs out of the substrate before the larvae hatch? Just wondering, because I know that insects tend to lay eggs in large quantities and if they do succeed at laying eggs then I intend to give most of them to one of my local breeders.

 

[Satanas]

id say every week or so you can check to see if there are any eggs, if there are you can take them out with a plastic spoon and keep them in a separate container so the female doesn't accidentally harm them

 

[Hypsibius]

Ah, ok then. Thank you for the advice.