Dubia Egg Sack Question

[Yessabub]

Ive had my colony going for a few weeks now and im a little confused about the how the egg sacks work. If the egg sack is dropped does this mean they wont hatch one of my females has been carrying an egg sack for awhile it got so it was sticking out about an inch then today it fell off. can someone fill me in on how the whole process works starting from the mating.

 

[Minihuey]

Ive had my colony going for a few weeks now and im a little confused about the how the egg sacks work. If the egg sack is dropped does this mean they wont hatch one of my females has been carrying an egg sack for awhile it got so it was sticking out about an inch then today it fell off. can someone fill me in on how the whole process works starting from the mating.

What color is the egg sack? Usually if its brownish then it means its not gonna hatch. The females tend to hold onto their sacks till the nymphs are ready to hatch. The process from laying the ooth, to babies running around, happens in a matter of minutes.

 

[Dave Weldon]

Howdy Jared,

It is my understanding that Dubias expose the egg stick at some point for some short duration and then draw it back in again until until many days later when the nymphs hatch out from the female's rear .

Here's some Hisser photos that I took years ago. Same idea...

Babys' First meal :

 

[JosieJobo]

Mine has dropped a ooth? (Egg sack) it looks quite helthy and yellow just like in the photo so will they hatch? Im gessing not if they are supposed to be inside, please help! Xx

 

[Lpsouth1978]

It is not uncommon for the female to drop the ooth. Unfortunately this is the equivalent of aborting. Once dropped the nymphs will typically not hatch. A stressed or ill female will often drop the ooth. As mentioned above, the female dubia will push the ooth out to dry it out a bit and then pull it back inside her body. I would not be too concerned, just be sure that conditions are as good as possible and keep waiting. In short order you will have a good number of nymphs.

 

[unknown91]

i have too some adults, what's the best conditions for them ?
i put some egg cartons in the container, temp is about 80-85, a little dark, 3:1 female:male ratio ...

 

[Lpsouth1978]

i have too some adults, what's the best conditions for them ?
i put some egg cartons in the container, temp is about 80-85, a little dark, 3:1 female:male ratio ...

They are pretty easy. I keep mine closer to 100 degrees. I have about a 5:1 ratio. Make sure they are well fed with a quality dry gut load and fresh fruits and veggies. You need to make sure that the humidity in the bin is acceptable as well. It eh humidity is too low they will not be able to molt properly and die. I just cut a small 6" square out of the lid and glued aluminum mesh over the top. Keep fresh water crystals in the bin and you should be good to go.

Get those temps up to 95-100 and you will see a big jump in reproduction.

 

[unknown91]

ok, so i need to up my temps + the water (which to be honest i can't find anywhere near me).
don't day get water from the fruits/veggies ?

 

[Lpsouth1978]

ok, so i need to up my temps + the water (which to be honest i can't find anywhere near me).
don't day get water from the fruits/veggies ?

They do get water from the veggies, but that doesn't help with the humidity. If you are in a humid area you may not need to increase the humidity, I differs with each circumstance.

Try local garden centers. The water crystals are used to mix with soil to minimize how often plants need to be watered. They should have them, if not you can order them online or from some of the site sponsors.

 

[unknown91]

ok, i'll search more, but before, what should be the humidity ? maybe i don't need the water for that