A Home for Mealworms and Beetles
Dear Families,
We are allowing our Darling Beetles to go home. We are happy to
keep mealworms and beetles in our class at school, but would like to offer the
option for children to take them home and care for them as pets. We have talked
in class about how your child should talk with you about this decision. We
absolutely understand that insect pets are not an interest or possibility for
many families. If you would not like
beetle pets at your home, your child will add his or her beetle to our classroom
beetle home next week. We will only send home beetles with families that have
confirmed interest.
If you and your child would like to keep them, here is some
information to consider:
- · Soon, the mealworms and beetles will prefer a bigger space/ container. We keep a 1-3 inch layer of bran flakes or oatmeal on the bottom of the container.
- · Pour the whole content of your child’s container into the new habitat. If they have laid eggs the will do so on the food that is there. Then you will see a new generation of mealworms.
- · They need moisture, so place a piece of potato, apple, or carrot in the container periodically.
- · You will be able to create many life cycles by leaving the old food in the habitat where they lay eggs. Continue to add new pieces of apple or potato and new layers of oatmeal or bran flakes.
- · When baby mealworms hatch out of eggs, they are very small and difficult to see.
- · Whenever possible, keep them out of direct sunlight. They prefer less light.
If you and your child later decide to return your pets to nature,
here are a few suggestions:
- · Find a somewhat protected spot not in direct sunlight.
- · Dig a slight hole and pour the contents of their current habitat into it. That way, they have a food source and protection until they make a new home.
Some more very detailed information can be found here:
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