The Hong Kong caterpillar (Tenebrio molitor) is the larva of the small beetle metamorphosis. These caterpillars are usually used as food for reptiles, spiders, birds, and rodents. In addition, the Hong Kong caterpillar is an important part of the ecosystem because it consumes decaying organic matter and keeps the environment clean. If you want to care for a healthy Hong Kong caterpillar, you must learn how to eat and provide a comfortable place for it.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Providing a Good Cage
Step 1. Place the Hong Kong caterpillar in a glass, metal, plastic, or wax-lined container
You have to make sure the Hong Kong caterpillar can't crawl on the sides of the container so it can't escape. Use a container with smooth sides and surfaces to prevent Hong Kong caterpillars from crawling out.
- Avoid containers made of cardboard or those lined with cloth. The hongkong caterpillar can easily stick to and crawl on it so it can escape.
- If you are using a container that is 8 cm high and is made of a slippery material, it may not need to be covered. However, if you want to close it, make sure there are small holes in the lid you are using. You can also use cheesecloth as an alternative. This cloth can also keep other insects away from the container.
Step 2. Line the bottom of the container
The material used to coat the bottom of the container also acts as a food source for Hong Kong caterpillars. Therefore, you may have to add an extra layer so that the feeding needs of Hong Kong caterpillars are met. You can line the bottom of the container with finely ground oatmeal, whole grain cereal, cornstarch, or dog food.
You can also coat the bottom of the container with a mixture of these ingredients. Use a food processor to grind the ingredients so that the texture and size of the substrate used is consistent. You can line the bottom of the container with a 4 cm thick substrate
Step 3. Put the container in a warm place
The container can be placed at room temperature. However, if you plan to breed Hong Kong caterpillars, place the container in a room temperature of 26°C. If you live in a place where the temperature is not too hot, the container can be placed in the garage.
Part 2 of 3: Feeding Hong Kong Caterpillars
Step 1. Give moist food so that the Hong Kong caterpillar's fluid intake is maintained
Slices of fruit and vegetables such as potatoes or apples are good choices. Potatoes are a good choice because they don't rot and dry out quickly.
- Do not place the water bowl in the cage. Hong Kong caterpillars could have drowned in the bowl. Put fruits and vegetables as a source of liquid for Hong Kong caterpillars.
- Replace dried and rotten fruits and vegetables with new ones.
Step 2. Change the food/bottom layer of the container every few weeks
You will have to add more food when you run out. Replace the bottom layer of the container after a few weeks. Make sure the bottom layer of the container is free of mold and doesn't smell bad.
You can use a sieve to separate the Hong Kong caterpillars from the bottom layer of the container when they are changing. This can also be done to remove Hong Kong caterpillars from containers for various other purposes
Step 3. Make sure the fruit and vegetables provided are not easily mushy
If the given food causes the bottom layer of the container to become wet or damp, replace it with something else. If the lid of the container is dewy, the Hong Kong caterpillar container is too damp. Therefore, make sure the container has good air circulation.
Part 3 of 3: Caring for the Metamorphosed Hong Kong Caterpillar
Step 1. Place the hongkong caterpillar in a different container for each stage of its metamorphosis
If you plan to treat Hong Kong caterpillars to beetles, make sure the Hong Kong caterpillar pupae are transferred to a different container. Hong Kong beetles and caterpillars will eat the pupa if not removed.
If you don't want to treat Hong Kong caterpillars until they metamorphose, remember that Hong Kong caterpillars are in the larval (caterpillar) phase for 8-10 weeks. If you buy an adult Hong Kong caterpillar, it may enter the metamorphosis phase more quickly
Step 2. Feed the Hong Kong caterpillars that are currently metamorphosing the same food
Beetles and larvae eat the same food. Therefore, you must keep adding and replacing food in the container, even when the Hong Kong caterpillar is metamorphosing. Hong Kong caterpillars will stop eating when they are in the pupa stage
If there is a pupa in a Hong Kong caterpillar container, transfer the pupa to a container lined with tissue. The pupa will stick to the tissue layer when it metamorphoses. Hong Kong caterpillars are in the pupa stage for 6-24 days
Step 3. Ensure that the temperature of the container is above 16.5°C
Temperatures below 16.5°C can have a negative effect on the beetle's reproductive cycle. If you want the beetle to lay eggs and continue its life cycle, make sure that it is warm enough to live in.
On the other hand, if the Hong Kong caterpillar is large and will be used as feed, you can cool the Hong Kong caterpillar in a perforated container to make it more durable. However, Hong Kong caterpillars will die if placed in a room with a temperature of less than 4.5 °C
Tips
- Do not place wild beetles in the same container as adult Hong Kong caterpillars. Most beetle species are carnivorous and will eat the Hong Kong caterpillar.
- Remove the dead Hong Kong caterpillar from the container.
- Place the pupa in a container with substrate and food so it can eat right away when it leaves the pupa.
- Don't give Hong Kong caterpillars water. However, Hong Kong caterpillars can eat apples on a damp cotton cloth as a source of fluid.
Warning
- Hong Kong caterpillars will turn black when they die. Always check the Hong Kong caterpillar regularly to keep it healthy.
- Handle Hong Kong caterpillars with care. Hold the Hong Kong caterpillar above the container so it doesn't fall to the floor.
