Superworm beetles

[MojoThor]

So I decided to try and breed superworms and getting them to turn to beetles was pretty successful. Ive got about 35 or so beetles just hanging out in there set up, but im not really sure what to do with them now. I know im supposed to keep them in there for a month and than move them to another enclosure but ive got a few question.

Do they need any heat source? I live in florida and ive got them next to my dragon cages so it gets pretty warm.

Also do they prefer to be in the light during the day or do they like the darkness better?

I put some carrots and potato slices in there for them but they dont really seem to be eating them. They hang out on them but when i change them it doesnt look like theyve been chewed on at all. So is what im doing fine for food or should i be giving them something else?

Also, how long do they typically live for if taken care of well?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Great job in getting successful beetles, it does take quite awhile doesn't it?
Now what to do with them....
You should put them in a 20-30 gallon plastic bin with things for them to climb in & on. They can get quite aggressive towards each other if they don't have enough room. They do need dry bedding as substrate & food. You can use cricket gutload for the bedding or make your own.
Just line the entire bottom with 2-3 inches of substrate as the females lay their eggs in the substrate. So when you do change out the bedding when it starts to degrade, do not throw out the bedding as it will most likely contain eggs or worms that you might not see.
They like it around 78-82. However, they don't do well when it is warmer than that really, they tend to get heat exhaustion. They don't like direct sunlight at all, but they can be just in regular light in the house, but do make sure they have places to hide. Toilet paper tolls, paper towel rolls are great.
We built a little wooden condo with 2 layers, for them to climb on. :mrgreen: If you want I can post a picture of it for you if you want.
Rember too, they do need water. So you can use cotton balls by putting them in a container & keep it moist, or get a cricket watering system to use for them. If they are not kept well hydrated or have enough food, they will eat each other.
They can live up to 6 months if properly taken care of. If you are breeding, make sure you do replenish them for fresh stock, as they die out. The fertility rates do slow down as they age, too.

Tracie

 

[Anglwngss]

I'd like to see a picture of your little bug condo, if you don't mind posting it.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Ok, I will post a picture of the beetle condo for you. :mrgreen:





Tracie

 

[clear]

I have had problems with the beetles climbing plastic! So I put a screen top over mine.

Chris

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

That is odd. I have been keeping beetles for over 5 years & have not had one climb the plastic bin. Very strange. You must have textured plastic. The smooth plastic bins they cannot climb. :mrgreen:


Tracie

 

[MojoThor]

another question I have now, is are they nocturnal? Cause during the day they seem to just all huddle up in a pile and not really move very much.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I would say that they are somewhat "diurnal" which means they come out in the daytime, some, but are more active at dusk & evening. They do sleep at night, from what I have seen in my colonies. Then again, I don't stay up all night to watch them! :lol:
I have seen them sleep though.

Tracie

 

[Ashleabdlover]

this is interesting.
so how long does it normally take for the superworms to turn to beetles?
and how long after you put all the beetles together for the superworm eggs to hatch?

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

It normally takes a couple of weeks for the superworms to pupate, if you got an older worm & it was ready to pupate. The younger & smaller ones wont make it through the stages properly & will die.
Then it takes several weeks for the pupaes to turn into beetles. Once they are dark, then you can put them into the colony.
The beetles begin laying pretty quickly & it does take several weeks to a month or so before you can see any worms.
The process of superworms is fairly slow, & they tend to live a long time & can live for months as a beetle, too.


Tracie

 

[MojoThor]

I seperated 51 supers on october 16, by october 26 half of them were aliens and more become aliens every day. only one of them took a long time for this to happen. on november 10 they began turning into beetles. there all beetles now except for like 5 of them. So it takes about a month to turn them from worms to beetles. i think the next part of actually getting worms takes a long time though

 

[Ashleabdlover]

well im glad they take along process... im trying to plan ahead.
buying crickets every month for 3 juvis is just getting too darn expensive.
my oldest is 14 inches now, and my second oldest is 13 inches. and i figured it would take several months to start getting worms. which is perfect because by then they'll be about 16 inches or more, ya know?

ive been reading up on it, and it sounds like a fun project.
ill probably start soon.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,
If you are planning ahead, I would start as soon as possible. To get a good sized colony will take 3-6 months. You can feed the smaller supers yes, but it does take quite a while.
Good luck!

Tracie

 

[Ashleabdlover]

thanks!
but yeah im going to be starting soon. maybe today ill go to walmart and look at the supplies i need.
any suggestions?

 

[Ashleabdlover]

also,
how many superworms do you think i should start off with? to morph them into beetles?
50? 100?

thanks