Rhino Beetle Won't Close Elytra

[PowerHobo]

I've got a D tityus male that has been walking around for a few days with his elytra partially open (just enough to see his wings in the opening between the two). He's still plenty responsive to touch, and he should have a couple of months left in him. I've found beetles dead with their elytra somewhat opened before and figured they were just flying as part of their moribund behavior. Is this anything to be worried about? If he's moribund, he's moribund; I just don't want him to be susceptible to any kind of infection that's going to make him suffer if it can be avoided.

 

[arizonablue]

I wouldn't worry about it too much. He may have something caught under there preventing his wings from folding up correctly, which would cause the elytra separation. If he's good with being handled you may be able to take a look. There may also be an injury to the wing which would cause the same problem. If he's eating and otherwise normal, there's probably nothing you can do beyond a general inspection for injury or something stuck beneath the elytra.

 

[PowerHobo]

Thanks for the info. He still won't close his elytra. I haven't heard him fly in his container for a couple weeks now, and he used to do it nightly, so you may be onto something with a wing injury. He's still eating, though, so I'll just try to keep him as happy and comfortable as I can.

 

[Peter Clausen]

Usually if you see that it means they eclosed that way. I gather from your post that this is a recent development though.??

 

[PowerHobo]

 I gather from your post that this is a recent development though.??

That is correct, sir. He seems to just be going about life, so I’m trying not to focus on it.

 

[Ratmosphere]

This was a discouraging situation for me in the past for some of my prized beetles. However, the males ended up living long-ish and even still mated.