Is my Rainbow Stag dead or pupating?

[Chloe]

Hey there,

This is my first rainbow stag beetle and I think I’ve done everything correctly. Problem is, it looks like he’s made a pupation chamber but he’s not moving much or at all. I’ve left him alone but I can’t tell if he’s died or is just pupating. His skin looks papery and he’s been like this for a week now. 
 

Any advice appreciated

thanks

Chloe

[Oak]

Looks like he's in his pre-pupal stage

[Chloe]

On 6/4/2022 at 9:16 PM, Oak said:

Looks like he's in his pre-pupal stage

I am delighted if this is true. Is it normal for them to shrink though? I could swear he was bigger last week

[Oak]

On 6/4/2022 at 3:21 PM, Chloe said:

I am delighted if this is true. Is it normal for them to shrink though? I could swear he was bigger last week

Yes. They shrink during their pre-pupal stage. 

[Chloe]

On 6/5/2022 at 12:35 AM, Oak said:

Yes. They shrink during their pre-pupal stage. 

Delighted!! Can't wait to see what he looks like when he's all done.