Management methods and technical key points for the egg-laying period of adult yellow mealworm beetles
Egg laying in yellow mealworms is a very important matter. Many breeders produce their own stock and raise it themselves, and this affects that year's output. So what should be done throughout the entire egg-laying process of the adults? What aspects need attention? And how should they be managed? Let's take a look below!
1. Preparation of egg-laying equipment
Two things are needed for yellow mealworm egg laying: one is a mesh screen box, and the other is a rearing box. Combined, they form an egg-laying box. The mesh holes should be about 3 mm in size, just enough for the adults' tails to extend through for egg laying. The mesh screen box should be smaller than the rearing box, and the two should fit together so that all eggs are laid inside the box and not outside it. Wheat bran needs to be placed in the bottom of the rearing box in advance, so that the eggs have good nutrients for development. The gap between the mesh screen box and the rearing box should be about 5-10 mm, so that the adults cannot harm the eggs.
2. Egg-laying process
First put the adults into the mesh screen box. According to the size of the box, control the number at about 600-800 insects, so that they can basically be evenly distributed throughout the mesh screen box. Then place the box into the rearing box, and do not forget to leave a 5-10 mm gap in between. If large areas of adults overlapping are found, this indicates that the density is too high, and the density should be adjusted in time. If the eggs are to be used for another purpose, you can place egg-collecting paper underneath, sprinkle a layer of wheat bran on it, and replace it once after a week, so that the eggs can be collected.
3. Temperature control
Temperature is extremely important for egg laying. At this time the eggs are very fragile, and unsuitable temperatures may lead to death in large batches. The temperature suitable for egg hatching is above 25°, and it is best not to exceed 30°. At this time the hatching speed is the fastest. If the temperature is below 20°, hatching will become extremely slow, and below 15°, they basically will not hatch. If there is no dedicated high-temperature hatching room, then it is best to place the eggs in the warmer part of the room for hatching. Breeders should pay constant attention to this temperature. Generally, they can basically hatch out in about 10-14 days.
4. Post-laying handling
After the adults lay eggs, management of the eggs is very important. Yellow mealworms are very small and generally cannot be seen with the naked eye, and their surface is extremely fragile. To ensure the hatching rate, after generally moving them 1-2 times, try not to move them again. For hatching eggs in summer, choose a dry and low-temperature place; in winter, choose a high-temperature and humid place. When controlling temperature, pay attention to the material temperature inside the box. This is the temperature body that the eggs come into contact with the most. Keep in mind that this is the calculation point for temperature control.
The above is the management process for yellow mealworm egg laying. These small insects are greatly affected by environmental factors and do not have much resistance, so breeders should pay a bit more attention in this regard. For more related information, you can come to our website to check!