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Breeding Mealworms: 4. Pupa

on 20th December 2016

Earlier posts: 1; 2 and 3.

The larva reaches about 30 mm before turning a darker brown. It will wriggle about, causing a split in its old skin at the back of the head.

Further wriggling will push the old skin backwards, exposing the white pupa. The old skin collects as a crumpled mass at the posterior end (above) or as an intact cast (below).

The newly emerged pupa is white, 14×5 mm and curved, turning brown with time

Dorsal view of pupa
Dorsal view of pupa

The new pupa will slowly darken to show up the details – dorsal view above and ventral view below.

Ventral view of pupa
Ventral view of pupa

YC Wee
Singapore
16th December 2016

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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