In mass rearing of mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, I have a problem. Many pupae are getting black and die. Can anyone guide me? Please look to attached file.
May be this forum may help: http://www.openbugfarm.com/forum.html#/discussion/58/why-are-my-mealworms-dying
Looks like normal metamorphosis is disrupted. Tanning or sclerotization of the cuticle is happening too early - on transitory pupal stages, rather than later on when all processes are aligned. The resulting form dies because it isn't viable.
Can you check for wounds? If things get too dry, the vulnerable unsclerotized pupae can be a source of water to activley feeding large larvae or even adults.
Adding a source of water should help.
Have you found the solution to your question. I am experiencing similar issues, although probably associated with dead larvae infecting the live ones and associated infection of pupae prior to sifting. This seems to be transmitted to the beetles as well, most probably due to their cannibalistic nature?
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