The pupa stage marks the point when a mealworm transforms into an adult beetle. If you have a mealworm farm, knowing how to care for pupa is essential. Mealworms are at their most vulnerable during this period so you have to make sure they are safe and in the right environment. To make it easy, I will walk you through the process of caring for pupa.
Separate the pupa from mealworms, eggs and beetles. Place the pupa in their own container and store it in the dark. Do not disturb them and just wait for the beetles to emerge.
Signs Mealworms are Pupating
Before you can separate the pupa, you have to be familiar with the signs that mealworms are pupating. Don’t wait until the mealworms have turned into pupa before you move them. When you notice these signs, it’s best to get a new container ready.
Change in Appearance
As mealworms prepare to enter the pupal stage, you may notice some visible changes in their appearance. They might appear plump and translucent. Some of them end up with a creamy or off-white color. They also become less active and some may stop moving at all. This are all signs a mealworm is getting ready to pupate.
When a mealworm is ready to form a pupa, it will curl up into a C-shape, bending its body into an arched position. This is sometimes used as a defensive posture, but when combined with the other signs mentioned here, it is probably going to pupate.
After curling up, mealworms will develop a hard, brown casing around their body. This casing is used to protect them during the pupal stage. As time passes the casing hardens, protecting the mealworm inside it
Inactivity
Pupating mealworms are stationary inside their casing. i have observe them in this stage and there is little to no activity at all. this is contrast to the larval stage where mealworms are constantly moving about. This is normal though and nothing to worry about.
Duration. Mealworms can remain in the pupa stage for several days or weeks. How long it takes depends on the environment, its health, temperature, humidity and other factors.
You do not need to do anything except make sure the pupa is not disturbed. Do not touch the pupa as they are very sensitive and can be easily damaged.
Caring for Mealworm Pupa
If you want a constant supply of mealworms for your pet (or you like to eat mealworms since they are healthy), knowing how to take care of their pupa is a must. The good news is that it doesn’t take a lot of effort to do this. Here I will explain the process and what to do step by step.
1. Isolate the Pupa
When mealworms start going into the pupa stage, separate them from others. Mealworms might eat the pupa so you have to place them in a separate container. Use a pair of tweezers and pluck the pupa out. Place them carefully in another bin.
2. Use the Right Substrate
You can use substrate like oat bran, wheat bran or a mix of both. Make sure it’s clean and free from any mold or contaminants. The substrate should be at least an inch deep. This is important because pupation needs bedding.
3. Maintain Optimal Temperature and Humidity
Mealworm pupa development depends on temperature and humidity. Keep the pupation container at a temperature of around 75-80°F (24-27°C). The humidity level should be around 70-80%. You can do this by lightly misting the substrate with water every few days. I like to use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels and as long as the bedding isn’t damp, the pupa will be fine.
4. Keep the Pupa in the Dark
The container has to be kept in a dark or dimly lit area. This mimics the conditions they would naturally experience beneath the soil. You can place it in a cabinet, cupboard, anywhere that is dimly lit or dark.
5. Be Patient
I have seen pupa stages last up to 3 weeks, and some might be even longer. Once you have everything set up properly, there is nothing to do but wait. Don’t touch the pupa to check if they are fine. As long as the temperature and humidity are in the ideal range, they will be fine.
6. The Final Stage
As the pupa near the end of their transformation, you’ll notice changes in their color and texture. They will become darker and more opaque. Once the darkling beetle emerges, you can transfer it to a separate container if you plan to breed them. You can also use them as feeder insects once they’ve hardened and are fully mobile.
Tips for Successful Mealworm Pupa Care
It takes little effort to care for mealworm pupa, but these tips will make it even easier. And you will also increasee their chances of successfully turning into beetles.
- Avoid overcrowding. Ensure that the pupa have enough space to pupate without crowding each other. Overcrowding can lead to stress and failed pupation.
- Regularly check for mold or contamination. Mold can be detrimental to pupae. Check the substrate regularly for signs of mold and remove any affected areas. Do not mist the bedding if there is sufficient humidity.
- Keep the pupation container clean and free from debris or waste material. This reduces the risk of contamination and disease.
- Keep records of pupation dates and conditions. I recommend this if you have several mealworm farms. It helps you keep track of the success rate and spot any trends.
- Collect and store pupae regularly and store them in a cool, dry place. You can keep them there until needed. You can store pupae in a refrigerator for several months without adverse effects.
Related. How to Care for Mealworm Eggs
Why is My Mealworm Pupa Dying?
There can be several reasons why your mealworm pupae are dying. Let’s explore some common causes.
Environmental factors: Mealworm pupae are sensitive to their surroundings. Any extreme or sudden changes in temperature, humidity, or lighting conditions can negatively impact their survival. If the habitat is too hot, cold, dry, or excessively humid, it can lead to stress, dehydration, or pupae suffocation.
Poor nutrition: Mealworms need a nutrient-rich diet to pupate properly. If their diet lacks essential nutrients or is imbalanced, it will weaken their immune system. This will make them prone to infection and make pupation difficult or impossible.
Poor ventilation: Oxygen and proper air circulation are crucial for mealworm pupae. Stagnant air or lack of ventilation in their habitat can deprive them of oxygen. This can lead to suffocation and other complications.
Overcrowding: If you have too many mealworms in a confined space, it can lead to competition for food, limited resources, and increased stress levels. Overcrowding can also contribute to the spread of diseases and increase the chances of pupae dying. Or some mealworms might die too soon to even reach the pupae stage.
Chemical contamination: Exposure to pesticides, insecticides or any other toxic substances can be fatal to mealworm pupae. Do not place any chemicals or substances near their habitat. Do this too for mealworms and their eggs.
Disease or parasites: Mealworm pupae are susceptible to diseases and infections caused by bacteria, fungi or parasites. These can weaken their immune system and can be fatal. The best way to avoid this is to keep their environment clean and hygienic. This is another reason to move pupae to a separate container so if mealworms get sick, they won’t be affected.
Genetic issues: Sometimes, mealworm pupae may have genetic issues or abnormalities that result in their death. These issues can be difficult to identify without professional examination.
To determine the exact cause of your mealworm pupae dying, you may need to observe their habitat conditions, including temperature, humidity level and ventilation. Make sure they are not exposed to any harmful chemicals or substances either. If the issue persists, consult an expert or entomologist familiar with mealworms.
Conclusion
Caring for pupa is an important aspect of raising mealworms, whether you’re doing it for your pet’s nutrition or breeding purposes. By providing the right conditions and proper care, you can raise healthy pupae that will eventually turn into adult darkling beetles.
