Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Scenopinidae eggs

Posted by Rui Andrade on 28-06-2010 00:08
#1

I have several eggs of Scenopinus sp. with me and I'd like to ask if someone has any idea if it's possible to rear them. I've no idea about the conditions, feeding, etc, that larvae require.

Posted by Rui Andrade on 28-06-2010 00:08
#2

.

Posted by Steve Gaimari on 28-06-2010 17:36
#3

Never reared scenopinids (or therevids) from eggs before, but larvae yes. I would suggest you put them individually (they will cannibalize) in a loose substrate (we usually use sand, but you might use whatever loose substrate was present where you collected the adult), and feed them with soft bodied insect larvae. Not sure what to use for the early instars, but as they get larger, for therevids we use Tribolium larvae. Be sure not to use something that can bite back.

Posted by Rui Andrade on 28-06-2010 17:50
#4

Thanks for the input Steve! I'm not sure where I could quickly find the soft body larvae needed. Do you think they could feed on dead insects (I can feed them with dead flies)?
Another thing that worries me is the danger of dehydration of the eggs and larvae. Is there anything I can do to avoid it?

Posted by Rui Andrade on 28-06-2010 17:54
#5

Another thing: and if I use sand, the tiny larvae may disappear and I would not be able to know how they are.

Posted by Steve Gaimari on 29-06-2010 18:33
#6

As for drying out - you can use a small amount of water sprayed on the surface every few days (but don't make it "wet" ). To my knowledge, they won't eat dead insects. Not knowing where they are in the sand is unavoidable, but they will come up to take prey if they are at the surface.

Edited by Steve Gaimari on 29-06-2010 18:33

Posted by Rui Andrade on 29-06-2010 23:20
#7

Thank you very much for your help Steve!:)