German caterpillars are black beetle larvae. This large caterpillar has a shape similar to the hongkong caterpillar. German caterpillars can grow to 50 mm or more. These caterpillars are a good source of protein for large reptiles, some species of fish, and birds (including chickens). Breeding german caterpillars is a fairly easy process. Start by isolating some of the larvae in different containers until they pupate. Once the larvae become adults, place them in a special habitat for breeding. After that, german baby caterpillars will soon arrive.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Pushing German Caterpillar Larvae into Puppies
Step 1. Buy 50 to 100 german caterpillars
This amount is suitable for breeding German caterpillar colonies. You can buy german caterpillars online or at your nearest pet store.
If you are going to buy German caterpillars on the internet, make sure the caterpillars are sent alive
Step 2. Place each larva in a separate, ventilated container
You can use plastic film tubes, insulated craft boxes, spice cups, or plastic cosmetic bottles. Provide a small hole in each container used for the caterpillar to breathe.
- It is important to place the german cocoons in their own containers. This is done so that other German beetles or caterpillars do not eat the cocoons.
- Isolating german caterpillars in a dark container can help stimulate the caterpillars to pupate. If not placed in a dark place, German caterpillars take up to 5 months to pupate.
Step 3. Provide a small amount of substrate in each container for german caterpillar larvae
Wheat bran or oatmeal are good substrates. Place the substrate so that it covers the entire base of the container. The substrate will serve as a base and source of nutrition for german caterpillar larvae.
- You don't need to put additional feed into the german caterpillar larvae container.
- In fact, some breeders advise against using a substrate because food can slow down the process of turning the caterpillar into a cocoon. If you are not going to use a substrate, make sure the german caterpillar larvae are mature (about 50 mm long) before the isolation process begins.
Step 4. Place the container in a warm, dark place for 10 days
After the german caterpillar and substrate are placed into the container, place it in a dark place such as a drawer or cupboard. Make sure the place is warm enough, with a temperature of around 27 °C.
If you are using a transparent container such as a glass or plastic bottle, make sure the container is placed in a dark place
Step 5. Check the larvae to see if they have pupated
Check the state of german caterpillar larvae regularly for 7 to 10 days. After a few days, most german caterpillars will curl up into a "c" or "e" shape. After 1 week, the caterpillar will begin to turn into a cocoon that looks like an "alien" with a short, cream-colored body, and teeth that will turn into legs.
Larvae that don't curl up, harden, or turn black may be dead. Remove dead larvae and replace them with live ones
Step 6. Wait for 2 weeks until the pupae become adults
Check the cocoons regularly to see their development. One of the characteristics of an adult cocoon is when the legs turn black. The cocoons take 2 weeks to turn into beetles.
Place the cocoons in a separate container until they mature. If the cocoons are placed in the same container, the adults may eat them
Part 2 of 3: Creating a Habitat for the German Caterpillar Beetle
Step 1. Choose a cage about 15 cm high
After the german caterpillar turns into a beetle, it must be placed in a suitable habitat so that it can develop and reproduce properly. Choose a cage that has smooth sides, is ventilated (a cage that has a gauze cover or a cover with a mesh opening) and is easy to wash. Below are some good cages for beetles:
- Small plastic or glass aquariums, or small animal cages.
- Small plastic food storage bin.
- Cat litter container (litter tray).
Step 2. Place a 5 to 8 cm thick substrate into the cage
Use an edible substrate such as ground oatmeal, wheat germ, or wheat bran. This substrate can serve as a base, a food source, and a place for beetles to lay eggs.
If you're using a coarse-grained substrate such as whole wheat, you may find it difficult to separate the beetles from the bedding. To solve this problem, you can smooth the substrate using a blender
Step 3. Place the fruit or vegetable pieces on the substrate
Give the German caterpillar a piece of carrot, potato, or fruit. Fruits and vegetables can keep the beetles moist and provide additional food sources. This is important so that the beetles don't eat the eggs, larvae or other beetles.
- Change fruits and vegetables daily so they don't rot.
- You can also keep fruit and vegetable pieces away from the substrate by placing them in a cardboard egg container.
- Do not place the water bowl in the cage. A bowl of water can make the substrate moldy. Fruits and vegetables are a good source of moisture for beetles.
- You can also spray a little water on the substrate every few days. Make sure the substrate is not too wet to prevent mold from growing.
Step 4. Make sure the cage is at a temperature of 21 °C to 27 °C
Place the beetles in a warm cage. German caterpillar beetles are quite sensitive to temperature, and will die if the temperature of their habitat is too hot or cold.
- If necessary, you can increase the temperature of the cage using a heating device, such as a terrarium heating pad. Watch the cage temperature closely to make sure the beetles don't overheat.
- Never put german caterpillars or beetles in the refrigerator. Unlike the Hong Kong caterpillar, the German caterpillar will die if it lives at a temperature of less than 16 °C.
Part 3 of 3: Breeding Adult German Caterpillar Beetles
Step 1. Place the adult beetles into the cage
After the german caterpillar turns into an adult beetle, the beetle can be transferred from its container to a prepared cage. Adult beetles will breed and lay eggs in the substrate.
- The female german caterpillar beetle can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime. German caterpillar beetles can lay eggs as long as they are still adults.
- Most adult german beetles can live as long as 5 months.
- The beetles may take a few weeks to start laying eggs.
- Check the cage regularly and remove any dead beetles or larvae.
Step 2. Transfer the beetles to a new cage every 2 weeks to protect the larvae
Prepare a second cage and place the new substrate in it. Transfer the adult beetles to a second cage. This is done so that the adult beetles do not eat the growing eggs and larvae.
If there are only a few adults in the cage, you can wait 4 weeks before moving them to a second cage
Step 3. Let the baby german caterpillars grow up in the first cage
Let the newly hatched larvae live in the first cage. Give the larvae pieces of fruit and vegetables until they are ready to breed or feed your pet. Larvae take several weeks or months to mature.
