Mealworm farming

[aart]

Quote: Wheat bran(food/substrate) and carrots(food, moisture).
I put fresh carrots in when the old ones start getting dry......I did start using a larger container tho...thinking not enough moisture.

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

Quote:
That all sounds good. If you think it's lack of moisture, I would add a few thin (1/8") slices of potatoes and replace them as they dry out or are eaten. If it works, you should know in a week or two. Let us know if it helps.

 

[aart]

Quote:
That all sounds good. If you think it's lack of moisture, I would add a few thin (1/8") slices of potatoes and replace them as they dry out or are eaten. If it works, you should know in a week or two. Let us know if it helps.
What I really wanted to know was if this does look like desiccation...
....or if it's cannibalism....
........or something else...
and if anyone had seen this before and if they knew what caused it.

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

What I really wanted to know was if this does look like desiccation...
....or if it's cannibalism....
........or something else...
and if anyone had seen this before and if they knew what caused it.

It happens all the time. Pupation is a difficult time as they mobilize resources for the transformation all sorts of things can go wrong, it's the most vulnerable stage. Cannibalism is extremely low in this species, something less than 3% from what I remember. The pupae have that interesting twirling behavior that all but eliminates cannibalism. The "pupae" in the center looks like a shed pupal case. The others died before completing pupation, but none seem to be eaten in any way at least not from what I can see in the picture. It's impossible from a picture to tell if they died from desiccation or a problem with pupation.

 

[Yurd Ahd]

Hi I have been raising mealworms for a long time. They do cannibalize eachother, to prevent this, offer more veggies. Try tomato, potato, carrot, spinach, ETC.. Mine even like the leftover meat on chicken wings

 

[subhanalah]

It happens all the time.  Pupation is a difficult time as they mobilize resources for the transformation all sorts of things can go wrong, it's the most vulnerable stage.  Cannibalism is extremely low in this species, something less than 3% from what I remember.  The pupae have that interesting twirling behavior that all but eliminates cannibalism.  The "pupae" in the center looks like a shed pupal case.  The others died before completing pupation, but none seem to be eaten in any way at least not from what I can see in the picture.  

this is kind of what I was going to say, but much better stated. I was simply going to state "attrition." But I'm often misunderstood when I say things in such a concise manner.

 

[aart]

Quote: K thanks.

 

[crazy huhn]

There you are! Huhn, I've been looking for you! Yesterday I found someone's X lizard aquarium for $10. I am in business! Well, I will be as soon as you sell me some mealies. How do we do this? Please PM me asap. Thanks ! beverly

PM sent.
I can ship out tomorrow, just let me know if you would like some pupae and/or beetles as well. Woohoo, I am so excited for you. You should have your own little meal worm farm going before the weekend.

 

[greasemonkey88]

I can't wait to start a farm my wife will probably make me keep it in the coop when it's built, but I know my RIR girls will love them. :cd

 

[katatonic123]

I think we almost have a beetle! Pupa is getting very dark.