Anyone breeding Supers?

[BalloonzForU]

Ok, I just separated 60+/- supers.

What have you found to be the best substrate/gutload for them to breed in? How long after they turn into beatles and I put them together do should I notice something in the form of baby supers?

 

[gothra]

I just put the beetles on oatmeal bedding, and give them carrot for moisture. After the worms turned into pupa stage, it takes about 2 weeks to turn into beetles. With 60 superworm beetles, I think you'll produce tons of supers.

 

[brandy101010]

I use oatmeal bedding too. I don't put anything else in because I read that if you give them food and moisture it takes longer for them to turn.

 

[gothra]

I meant oatmeal bedding for the beetles, not the superworms in isolation. I gave them nothing if I want them to turn to pupa; leave them in a dark place with no disturbance, that'll do.

 

[BalloonzForU]

Thanks for the info guys! I put them in one ounce containers in two 6 qrt tubs and put them in the bottom of my hatchling rack where I don't have any heat at this time (75 degrees in my room). I checked on them today and some are already curling up. I had one die, that's whey I did 60 of them. Tons of supers would be great. Supers are my main staple for my leos and boy can they eat. If I end up with more than my guys can handle I'm sure Missy wouldn't mind me shipping her a few 1,000.

 

[BalloonzForU]

Ok, it took about 2 weeks now I have about 50 so far in the pupa stage. Now just to wait for them to turn into beatles. I have 3 tubs ready for them to go into. Depending how this goes I may keep the colony going, and I've just eliminated a major food bill.

 

[brandy101010]

Good luck! I have tuns a tiny little supers! I hope yours do as good as mine have!

 

[BalloonzForU]

Thanks Brandy! When did you start yours?

 

[brandy101010]

um... about 4 months ago. I did not start with many beatles because it took along time for them to turn and some died. but I guess I ended up with enough because I have babies!

 

[BalloonzForU]

Wow, 4 months. Too keep the colony going I guess I should do this every two weeks or so.

 

[eyelids]

Good luck! Bye the way aren't the pupae crazy looking?! So huge!

 

[BalloonzForU]

lol, yeah they look like a mealworm's pupae on steroids!

 

[BalloonzForU]

wooohooo I've got 6 beatles so far! All the others look like they will be changing to beatles soon.

 

[brandy101010]

congrats! Make sure you keep the cycle going and put more super worms in isolation. The beatles do not live long.

 

[eyelids]

Congrats!

 

[gothra]

Brandy, are you sure the beetles don't live long? I've heard a lot of people say that, but my superworm beetles seems to live for at least 3 months! :main_huh:

 

[BalloonzForU]

I've had one beatle die already, but it only had one half of the outer shell, might have had something wrong with it. Up to 9 beatles now.

 

[brandy101010]

Brandy, are you sure the beetles don't live long? I've heard a lot of people say that, but my superworm beetles seems to live for at least 3 months! :main_huh:

I do have some that live a decent amout of time. But the majority die within about a month, If that. what conditions do you keep them in? maybe I can change some things.

 

[gothra]

I just put them on plain oat meal, with carrot slice for moisture. Room temperature at around mid 80s almost all year round (because we are at sub-tropical region...). Since I do not have many geckos, I only have approx. 15-20 beetles to keep a small colony going. Maybe its the small numbers that allowed them to live longer?

 

[brandy101010]

I have only had about 10 at the most at one time, so it's not the numbers on my end. I keep mine at room temp between 70-80 on a gut load that I blend myself using, dog food, fish food, oats, vitamins and calcium. I use potatos for moisture. sometimes carrot. Maybe it is my gutload. My other feeders seem to do great on it though. Or maybe that the temp fluctuates alot in my house. :main_robin: :main_huh:
anyone else want to share there sucsess with the beatles and how they keep them?