u/CWolverine6

This Dynastes tityus recently pupated after I put it in an artificial cell after it didn’t make one properly (second photo). I’ve been to keep the floral foam misted/damp (not spraying the pupa). It now looks like there is some white spots on it’s feet that weren’t there before (first photo). It’s definitely alive. Is it mold?

If it is, should I wipe it off and what do I do keep that from happening? This is my first time raising them. Thank you!

It’s my first time making one for a prepupating Eastern Hercules grub that didn’t build a good cell. I was worried about making it too small and now I think I’ve made it too big? Thanks!

My other two Eastern Hercules grubs have built their cells and I thought this one had too. I hadn’t seen it in ages and there was a pronounced lump in the soil. When I opened the lid yesterday to look at the soil moisture, the grub was just hanging out in this soil depression and exposed (definitely alive). I checked on it again today and still exposed, hanging out in the divit. I haven’t poked around, so I know I didn’t break a cell. What should I do, if anything? Is it just a badly constructed pupal cell, should I add more soil over it? Thank you!

Here I go, finally time to stop lurking and put up my own post! I’m 5’9.5” and 39, almost 40. I am very happy and fulfilled in my life but it’s always fun to share it with a partner!

What I’m looking for: Interested in monogamous men, open to LDR within driving distance, but I’m not planning to relocate. Looking for someone who is emotionally available, knows themselves and what they’re looking for, and who ready to share life’s whimsy, weirdness, and adventures with another person. My ideal relationship has mutual respect and adoration, open and honest communication, celebration and support of one another, aligned values, and lots of laughter, kindness, and silliness. And puns.

What you should know about me: My vibes are Pee-Wee’s Playhouse meets The Addams Family. I’m as opposite as you can get from conservative and I’m anti-AI, pro-liberation for all. I don’t drink or smoke, but ok with a partner doing it in moderation, except for cigarettes. I still take airborne virus precautions and wear a N95 mask/respirator indoors at all times and outside when it’s crowded. This is a non-negotiable for myself and I’m hopeful I’ll find someone who is also still taking precautions.

Hobbies - I love ‘em! Mine include checking out roadside attractions/Atlas Obscura spots, geocaching, ceramics, and making art (my latest completed project was a Victorian pressed seaweed herbarium). It’s Halloween all year round for me and I’m super into making my costumes. I love music; my favorite band is of Montreal but I listen to all kinds. I am also into natural history and have several curiosity cabinets. If that’s not your thing, no worries, but probably best that I’m with someone who is, especially for this next part haha…

Bugs, I think they’re awesome. I have a bug tattoos, and I’m currently raising Eastern Hercules beetles - they are in their final larval stage! I love animals in general, have worked professionally with all kinds in the past, penguins, porcupines, alligator…the list goes on and includes having worked internationally with in situ conservation. I currently care for and adore two disabled cats.

If any of this sounds like a good fit, I’d love to hear from you! Tell me about your projects that you’re working on, your favorite yard sale find, or something silly your pet did! Happy to send face photos once we’ve talked for a bit. Good luck out there, everyone!

Edit: forgot to add an age range! Looking for 35ish-45ish

The first of my Eastern Hercules grubs has started building its pupal cell! I currently have them in separate 64 oz containers with holes in the lids. Once they transform, do I need to move them into larger containers for their adult dormancy period since there is not much space between the dirt surface and lids?

I am building them Wardian cases to keep them in when they became active, but wasn’t sure what to do while they are dormant. This is my first time caring for them, so I’m not sure how “dormant” they actually are. Was considering just placing their current containers with the lids removed into bigger ones so that way they’re not disturbed but have more room if they happen to come up to the surface.

Also, recommendations for beetle-safe caulk and non-metal mesh? I’m going to start working on beetle-proofing their adult Wardian cases (will have more if I end up with 3 males). The tops of the cases have decorative holes for air flow but I want to block those to protect their legs. TIA!

The first of my Eastern Hercules grubs has started building its pupal cell! I currently have them in separate 64 oz containers with holes in the lids. Once they transform, do I need to move them into larger containers for their adult dormancy period since there is not much space between the dirt surface and lids?

I am building them Wardian cases to keep them in when they became active, but wasn’t sure what to do while they are dormant. This is my first time caring for them, so I’m not sure how “dormant” they actually are. Was considering just placing their current containers with the lids removed into bigger ones so that way they’re not disturbed but have more room if they happen to come up to the surface.

Also, recommendations for beetle-safe caulk and non-metal mesh? I’m going to start working on beetle-proofing their adult Wardian cases (will have more if I end up with 3 males). The tops of the cases have decorative holes for air flow but I want to block those to protect their legs. TIA!

Saw this guy today, it’s body was about an inch long. Can’t figure out what it is. ID help is appreciated, thanks! Edited to add location, Central Maryland, US

I am making a pressed seaweed herbarium and would like help identifying these species so I can write their named in. These were found on Long Beach Island, New Jersey, USA. Thank you!