Cockroach disection

B

Bug boy

First Instar
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!

 
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)

 
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?

 
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

 
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.

 
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 ;)

 
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