Emergence Failures

🚩 A beetle that emerged successfully and stored its inner wings properly.

“Emergence failure” refers to imperfect transformation in the process of becoming an adult from pupa.
There are several reasons for incomplete transformation, but frequent inbreeding, genetic factors, and pupa cells are likely causes.

Emergence failure takes the following forms:


1. Wing Tip Misalignment
Most often, it’s due to a developmental issue with the pupa itself.
Luckily, this usually doesn’t affect the adult’s health or lifespan.



2. Outer Wings Sticking Out (Photo courtesy of @lucas_beetles)
If the outer wings are wide open after emergence and you catch it while the wings are still bright yellow (a “lemon chiffon” color),
You can correct it using paper tape.
(The outer wing color changes from bright yellow → orange → brown → natural color over time)
⚠️ The time limit for this procedure is only when the outer wings are bright yellow.
I would not recommend trying this after the outer wings start to turn orange.

1) Gently place the inner wings underneath the outer wings first.
2) Apply tape to one side, then carefully pull the opposite wing into place and tape it down.
3) Once the wings are fully dry and hardened, you can remove the tape.

📌 The outer wings help prevent moisture loss and infection.
If left open, it can lead to dehydration or fungal/bacterial infection even death.

3. Blisters on Inner Wings (Photo courtesy of Crazy's insect)
Wait until the outer wings are fully dry, then carefully snip off the protruding inner wings with sterilized scissors.
If any fluid is leaking, use styptic powder or a lighter to stop the bleeding.
(Do not use ethanol, it can mix with the body fluids and worsen the situation)
Place the beetle in a clean container lined with paper towels.

Even with care, the prognosis isn’t great, the inner wings often rot, leading to spread toward the body.

4. Dimples on the Outer Wings
This usually comes from low humidity during emergence.
As the outer wings harden, these dimples typically fill out on their own.

5. Leg and Tarsus Loss
Although it's more common in older adults, some beetles lose their legs or tarsi shortly after emergence.
In rare cases, it’s due to improper hardening during the emergence process.

6. Misaligned Head–Thorax
A properly hatched beetle has its head, thorax, and abdomen in a straight line.
Occasionally, during emergence, the head may become stuck in an angled position and harden.
This is rare, but seems to occur mainly in Dorcus species.