The beetles will not crawl out of the container. A lid is not necessary. After a majority of the mealworms have become beetles, add all to the class culture and replace the bran. The science center recommends putting the milkweed bugs in an aquarium instead of making the habitats from the teacher manual. The aquarium is provided by the science center and consist of a deep container and a lid.
Saran wrap is placed under the lid and a few holes are poked with the push pins for air.
The bugs like to be in temperatures of 80 to 90 degrees. A light for warmth should be kept on them. Lights may be borrowed from the Science Center. Habitat Instructions Put the eggs directly into the aquarium. Add the sticks, cotton, water and food.