Bug boy Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 I work at an exotic pet store, and I'm in charge of the "bug" department. I've noticed that many of the dubias have been dying when I'm not in working, and I'm wondering what's caused it. they are well fed, and i have tried to do what i can in the limited time that i work there. I have dubias at home and i breed them and have had only a few casualties. i was wondering if i could bring home some dead dubias from work, open them up and put them under my (very good lab) microscope. i was wondering if there is anything i can learn from doing this. if you have any advice at all, i'd love to hear it. Thank you so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Posted January 22, 2013 Share Posted January 22, 2013 If they have parasites they might be visible during dissection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thesavageprojects Posted January 22, 2013 Share Posted January 22, 2013 It might be a good idea to take some healthy roaches from ur colony, kill, and dissect them as well for a basis for comparison. (Aka control group) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bug boy Posted January 22, 2013 Author Share Posted January 22, 2013 Ok awesome thank you! any idea of what in particular to look for? honestly, I'm pretty new at this, but i thought this could helpful and a fun experience. Has anyone here done this before? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thesavageprojects Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 Any variation between the healthy and possibly unhealthy roaches. There r worm like parasites that i have only seen in books but i doubt that u will see those. But please keep us updated. If i find anything else to look for i will post it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thesavageprojects Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 It occurs to me, i should have asked what kind of container both ur and the stores roaches r in. Also do we know the humidity levels? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 Usually those giant plastic storage bins with holes drilled in the top, or large glass aquariums with the screen covers. Dubia can tolerate less humidity but prefer high humidity and do better with it. I mist my cage with a spray bottle (water) to help do that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicolas Rousseaux Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 You can maybe spot some Phoridae larvae or something. We've found some of them killing roaches colonies, especially when there is a high level of humidity in the tank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bug boy Posted February 22, 2013 Author Share Posted February 22, 2013 Awesome! will keep you updated! thank you for all the advice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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