Question for mealworm raisers

[viktoriacl]

I have had several life cycles and went from50 to thousands and thousands of mealworms in all sizes and stages. I'm having a new issue! Many of my pupae are either dieing or are only changing half way and then dieing???? Any ideas why this is happening al of a sudden?

 

[GiddyMoon]

How do you know the pupae is dead?

 

[viktoriacl]

They turn brown and dry up.

 

[GiddyMoon]

Are you saying many in relation to what you have or are the majority dying? It seems a certain amount won't make it..and maybe it seems like a lot becuase you have a lot? I know one guy who said that when he separated his colony and gave half away..his other half died..I have no idea why..but you can check on the humidity level and whether food is turning moldy? Other than that..I have no clue.

 

[viktoriacl]

I feel like last round I may have lost maybe one?? Now this round the first two changed half way and two are dead. I think one(albino) made it to a beetle. I have about 15 or so in that stage now. How does humidity effect them changing??

 

[GiddyMoon]

Well, I suppose it has to do with mold growth. Because you are in Florida plus adding moisture to the grain..is there any mold growth on anything? I have heard this can be a problem. You will have to see if their bedding is staying dry..it should not be damp, evidently. And..maybe genetics is weeding out the weak..give it time..maybe the few that make it will come back stronger

 

[viktoriacl]

I wish I was in Florida!!! I'm in MA. I just dug aroung and found two new beetles so I guess it's picking up! Maybe it was mold I did put a couple pieces of melon skin,with a little melon left on it,in there and it did mold. It was way too wet. I took it out right away but maybe someone ate it before I got it out. Two new beetles are fully formed and in the beetle tray! YEY! Thanks Sifted out about ten more pupae from the worm box too. New generation in full swing.

 

[GiddyMoon]

Why did I think you were in Florida? LOL

 

[viktoriacl]

I think you and I were both posting on another mealworm thread with someone from Florida. Lol

 

[GiddyMoon]

Could be..I am not always ALL here.