Here we are discussing about what and why you would need an artificial pupal cell. A pupal cell is a spacious room constructed intentionally for larva itself to pupate, and safely spend time in pupal stage.
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Image 2: A deformed male Dynastes grantii .
When the larva does not make this pupal cell correctly (in size and shape) they may pupate or emerge in deformed condition. Sometimes, you may break a pupal cell accidentally. Therefore, you will have to provide them a new artificial pupal cell to safely rear and observe your beetles.
First, let’s start with gathering all the materials and tools: wet floral foam, water, plastic container, and a teaspoon (or something small sized).
Your very step is to completely soak floral foam in water. Flip over to soak it up quickly, and keep it in water for over 10 minutes.
*Make sure you got the right one: a "wet" floral foam. There are few different types of floral foam that is not for live plants. If you got the right one, it will sink right away as it absorbs water.
Once it is completely soaked and absorbed enough water, you can now remove it from water.
Place a larva or a pupa looking a new pupal cell on foam. Estimate the size of a pupal cell based on the actual specimen. Draw a rough outline surrounding it. If it is for a pupa, it is a lot easier to draw a line, however, if it is for a larva, you will have to estimate the size whether it is for a male or a female, and also whether it is a species with long mandibles (horns for rhinoceros beetles) or not.
*Most stag beetles make their cells horizontal or diagonally flat. Most rhinoceros beetles make it diagonally flat or almost vertical, depending on species.
Once you are done with the drawing, your next tool to use is a spoon. Carefully scoop it out and make a hole.
You are not scooping out entire hole with a spoon. Roughly make a hole, and you have to smooth it out with your finger later. Only with a spoon, this image above is what is looks like. It looks rather rough, right?
Now use your fingertip to pressure and rub it out to make it smoother.
Now all set! It looks much better!
Make sure you wipe out any excessive water before placing your insect into the new artificial cell. Place entire cell in a plastic container to keep it moistened all the time. No excessive water! Just moistened. If it is too humid and you see water in the hole, quickly remove your insect and wipe it off, and place insect back into the cell. Try storing it in a dark. Facing the other way from a ceiling light is also a good idea.
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