Mealies aren't breeding.

[Bellalee]

My mealies aren't breeding ... They molt. ... they get to "adult" stage, they walk around for a few days or so.. and then they up on their back.. either dead.. or walking on the air.

Anyone know whats going on??

I think it might be too cold.. ?? Maybe..

 

[mainelygeckos]

idk my mealworm beetles kinda do the same thing or at least some..idk why they end up on their backs but those that don't end up on their backs, and need assistance, do burrow in the substrate...I was wondering about the same thing if it was too cold or maybe not humid enough or what..they have stayed alive and appear to be eating so maybe ..lets see what others have to say

 

[Khrysty]

It took about two months to get my colony running. It looked like the beetles were just dying off but after a while I realized they had laid eggs before they died. All of them. There were teeny baby mealies (I'm talking width of a piece of hair, maybe 4 millimeters long) after a couple of months. They stay in the frass(mealworm/beetle waste), which is why you don't see them at first, that and their tini-ness. Just be patient. They'll breed in nearly any conditions

Edit:
They do grow more quickly in warmth, though. If you get a 5 gallon heat mat (the kind that can go on plastic) and stick it to the bottom they will grow more quickly. Humidity should not be a factor. They need it to be dry (except for their moisture source) or the bedding will mold and kill off the colony

 

[Double D]

I sorta thought mine were just dying off too. But today I cleaned out all my dead beetles and dug down into the bedding and there are loads of little teent-tiny worms down in there. As Khrysty said just be patient. I started with a cup of 250 pretty large mealies from the local bait store about 2 or 3 months ago. It looks as if I'll have than I know what to do with soon as they grow into feeder size worms. Good Luck!

 

[snakegirl]

they are a bit harder to "see" eggs. because there so small and it takes a few weeks to even see Dots However if there turning to pupa and then hatching out to be beetles after 48 hours (go from white to black) they should start breeding. After breeding they will die off. and weeks will go by and you will see many - <something as big as this Moving. they are SUPER small. and it takes weeks to really see a good sized meal worm. How many do you have? here a photo of meal worm beetles having some food.

Hint: Make sure you put a good handful of food (counting on how many beetles you have) If the food stock/water Goes low..they will eat the eggs and baby mealworms!)you can use veggies that hold more water or mist them before setting them in the cage but dont have anything dripping wet!

Damp paper towels sometimes can be used, If you put something large down the beetles will cawl under it. Next time you pick up the item Almosy all the beetles should be under there..its a good way to move beetles out of there bin without picking threw bedding.


If you need any more help feel free to PM me.​

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[project1]

yea it took mine awhile to get it on if you know what i mean but now i get enough outa it i need to put some new beetles in there.