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What causes mealworm pupa to not fully turn to a beetle? It's been happening more than ussually lately for me. Basically, the butt end still looks the the pupa butt. No wings, no shell. They can't walk correctly either. I ussually toss these guy as i assume since they can't walk right they probably can't mate. Plus if it is genetic I don't want it passing on to other generations.

Joe Conklin
joeconklin@gmail.com

I've seen this same problem in my years of keeping mealworms. I believe it has to do with providing enough moisture for the larvae prior to pupating by feeding enough vegetables/fruit; ie-chopped: apples, carrots, greens, potatoes, celery, squash, etc. I also keep all stages of Tenebrio development on wheat bran; however, non-med. chix mash or other similar grain-based mixes should be OK. I separate the fruits & vegs. from the substrate with one or two paper towels; this helps prevent molds/fungi from developing.

I have never separated the fruits or veggies from the mash, just lay it on top of the layer mash, and have never had a problem with mold or fungus. The mealies eat it too fast for mold to set in! The trick is to not over feed the fruits & veggies.

I choose the chicken mash as it is vitamin/mineral fortified and formulated for heavy egg production. It was recommended to me by a earthworm breeder for increased egg production. I figured if it works for nightcrawlers & chickens it couldn't be bad for mealies. Besided, the goodies in it help gut load while wheat bran has absolutely nothing in it but fiber. I never felt it was a good choice for what I'm feeding to my babies!

Other that the bedding choice though I use the exact same set-up as lizardman.

I too have had these strange unformed beetles from time to time but when you see 4 or 5 out of 400-500 beetles I don't think it's a major problem. I find that my lizards love them so I just dust them and put them in a dish for the lizards to dispatch!
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Marcia - FroggieB Dragons
www.froggieb.com/MHDHome.html