Superworm breeding: Won't Reach Pupa Stage?

[LeoGirl575]

Hey guys. I have a couple feeder colonies for my geckos going: Mealworms, waxworms, and superworms. All of them are going fine, except for the superworms. I know superworms are supposed to curl up slightly before pupating, and mine always get to that stage. But instead of pupating, they just die. I have them on bran, and feed them carrots weekly.

Why could this be happening? I got the superworms from two different places, so I don't think it's because it's a "bad batch". All my mealworms and waxworms are pupating, but every time the superworms seem to get close to pupating, they end up dying.

Any advice?
Thanks in advance,
Steph

 

[KelliH]

You have to separate each superworm or they will not pupate. You can put them in small deli cups or anything really, as long as they are by themselves.

 

[LeoGirl575]

I did that too - I have a couple in separate containers by themselves, but still no pupating -They just end up dying. :/ Thanks for the response.

 

[fl_orchidslave]

I use a craft box, like what beads would be stored in, with all the little compartments to separate them from each other. They don't need any food or bedding when you want them to pupate. It takes 2 or so weeks, and they need to be in a dark place like a closet or drawer. Mealworms are much simpler

 

[LeoGirl575]

Thanks for the tips. I just find it extremely hard to keep up with my geckos' ravenous appetites! I mean, even with 4 mealworm colonies going (not very well), I still have to buy mealworms every couple weeks! I estimated that once i Have 10 leos, I'll be going through more than 600 mealies a month. I don't know what I'm going to do. lol

 

[fl_orchidslave]

I've run low a couple times while superworms were growing but too small to feed so I ordered 1000 online. Adults used to eating supers were less than amused with mealworms. It would have cost me as much or maybe more to buy supers at the pet shop (if even available) in small count containers as ordering a thou. Breeding season takes a LOT of feeders!