/ Register

  1. Welcome to Taxidermy.net, Guest!
    We have put together a brief tutorial to help you with the site, click here to access it.

Can LACK of humidity kill my beetles?

Discussion in 'Skulls and Skeletons' started by Patty Lynch, Nov 26, 2007.

  1. Nov 26, 2007 #1
    Patty Lynch

    Patty Lynch New Member

    13
    0
    Hi everyone,

    I'm having trouble with larvae die off of various stages, no adults though, it's weird. I see no evidence of mites - have never seen them in person though - does someone have a picture of them by chance? They aren't even cleaning their food well. I was curious if a lack of humidity could cause death? They have a heat emitter lamp - which I think might be too drying??? I have their food covered with a cloth and they are getting spritzed once daily with the heat lamp about 2 1/2 feet above them. I'm stumped, frustrated and sad. Any other causes for death? Oh, no maggots either.... Are my adults cannibalizing their young instead of eating their food? They have plenty of food..... Help?
     
  3. Nov 26, 2007 #2
    bulldog4949

    bulldog4949 "Mounting your Memories"

    5,473
    4
    TEXAS
    Are you confusing frass (shed moltings of beetles) for dead ones? They shed about 6-8 times throughout their young strages. Humidity should not matter much. I have mine at about 30%....but pay more attention more to the temp, than humidity! Hope this helps

    They can eat there young IF they are not fed enough food!!
     

  5. Nov 26, 2007 #3
    RDMARTIN53

    RDMARTIN53 Active Member

    3,399
    14
    NW MONTANA
    Put a thermometer under the heater with the bugs. Could be frying the small fries? Extreme lack of humidity here witout a big deal. I heat my bug room and cover my tank partially to raise my humidity. I would rather be too dry than too wet. I would check first to see if direct heat is an issue.