Ruqayyah Snyder
Mealworms are the larvae of darkling beetles, specifically the Tenebrio molitor species, and they are a popular food source for birds, reptiles, and small carnivorous mammals due to their high protein content, short life cycle, and low maintenance. Breeding mealworms can be done using either one container for all life stages or separating each life cycle stage into different containers. The Bug Factory offers mealworm farm kits with a unique three-tiered design made from recycled plastic, providing a sustainable way to cultivate a consistent supply of mealworms. To breed mealworms, a plastic container with bran, rolled oats, or chicken pellets as a substrate is required, along with a water supply such as sliced carrots. The mealworms will eventually pupa and become adult beetles, breeding and laying eggs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mealworm species | Tenebrio molitor |
| Mealworm life cycle stages | Eggs, larvae, pupa, adult |
| Life cycle duration | 45-65 days |
| Breeding methods | All life stages in one container or separate containers for each life stage |
| Container type | Plastic, shallow with high sides, recycled fridge freezer plastic |
| Container size | 40 litres or bigger, L300mm x W200mm x H100mm or bigger |
| Container quantity | Minimum of 3-4, 5 if separating all life stages |
| Container placement | Indoors, away from extreme temperatures |
| Substrate/food | Bran, rolled oats, chicken starter crumble, chicken pellets, ground-up organic dog food, fruit and vegetable scraps, breakfast cereal |
| Water supply | Sliced carrot, other vegetables or fruits (no citrus) |
| Maintenance | Sieving, occasional misting in hot weather, replacement of food |
| Additional equipment | Sieves, dustpan, broom, tweezers, magnifying glass, thermometer |
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What You'll Learn
Containers and receptacles
When it comes to the type of container, plastic containers or plastic drawers are commonly used. You can opt for a 40-litre plastic storage container or bigger, depending on your needs. Shallow containers are better suited for mealworm breeding. A size guide for a single container could be L300mm x W200mm x H100mm. If using multiple containers, start with at least four.
The number of containers you need will depend on how you want to separate the different stages of the mealworm lifecycle. You may start with three containers and end up with five levels in rotation as your colony grows. For example, you can combine the larvae, pupae, and beetles in one container and have separate containers for each of the other stages.
It is important to keep the containers in a comfortable temperature range, avoiding extreme heat or cold. The containers should also be dry, as moisture can lead to mould and fungus issues. To maintain adequate ventilation, you can create holes in the lids and cover them with flyscreen to prevent flies from entering.
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Food and water supply
Mealworms are the larvae of the darkling beetle, specifically, the Tenebrio molitor species. They can be kept in a large plastic container with air holes in the top. Glass containers can also be used, but it is best to avoid wood or cardboard as mealworms can climb up or chew through these materials. The container should be shallow and smooth-sided to prevent the mealworms from escaping.
To provide moisture to mealworms, sliced potatoes, carrots, or other fruits and vegetables can be placed in the container. While these raw vegetables do contain some moisture, it is recommended to add more by using a gel water source such as Thirsty Cricket. This should be placed in a low container, such as a jar lid, to prevent the mealworms from drowning. It is important to note that a dish of regular water should not be used as the mealworms can drown.
Mealworms can eat just about anything, including grains, vegetables, and any organic material, fresh or decaying. They can be fed raw potatoes and carrots cut into 1" x 3" pieces and spread throughout the container. The mealworms may pull the food under their bedding to eat, which is normal. It is important to remove any uneaten food after 24 hours to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
Mealworms can also be fed commercial mealworm chow, which is a highly nutritional food source, containing 16% protein, calcium, and vitamins. Before feeding mealworms to reptiles, it is recommended to gut-load them with nutrient-rich foods such as dark leafy greens or commercial gut-loading diets for 24-48 hours. Additionally, mealworms can be dusted with a calcium supplement to ensure reptiles receive essential nutrients.
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Temperature and ventilation
Maintaining proper ventilation is crucial for the health of mealworms. The containers used for growing mealworms should have lids with holes to allow for air circulation while preventing flies from entering. A popular option is to use a cloverleaf shelf, which provides good ventilation, ease of feeding and management, and space efficiency. Additionally, in hot weather, a plant mister can be used to spray a small amount of water on the culture to regulate temperature and humidity. However, it is important not to overspray, as excessive moisture can lead to mould and fungal growth.
To optimise ventilation and air circulation, the container size and type should be carefully considered. Shallow containers are generally better suited for growing mealworms. Plastic containers or drawers with dimensions of around 300mm x 200mm x 100mm can be used, and multiple containers can be stacked or placed on shelves to create a mealworm farm.
It is worth noting that mealworms require a dry environment. While they feed on vegetables and fruits, it is important to avoid loading the containers with moist materials. Slices of fresh carrot can be placed on top of the substrate, and they will be consumed even as they dry out and become less appealing in appearance.
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Life cycle stages
Mealworms, which are the larval stage of the yellow mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor), undergo a process called complete metamorphosis. This means that their life cycle consists of four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
The first stage of the mealworm life cycle is the egg stage. Female beetles can lay 300-500 eggs in their lifetime. The eggs are invisible to the naked eye and resemble dust. After staying in the media for approximately 3-4 weeks, the eggs hatch into tiny whitish larvae, which may not be easy to see for several weeks. In 4-6 weeks, the larvae will be about 0.5" long. The larvae will undergo a series of 10-20 molts, shedding their exoskeleton. Before molting, the larvae will turn soft and plump, stop moving, and curl into a "C" shape. After the final molt, the newly molted worms are white, and their exoskeleton has not yet hardened. As the worms eat and grow, their exoskeleton hardens and turns translucent, giving them their yellow colour. The fully grown larvae are golden brown and 0.98-1.38 inches long.
The second stage of the mealworm life cycle is the pupa stage. The larvae will come to the surface and transform into naked white pupae that turn yellowish brown after a day. The pupa starts off a creamy white colour before eventually darkening to brown. During this stage, the insect is non-mobile and does not eat. The pupa stage usually lasts anywhere from 6-30 days, depending on temperature and humidity. If the mealworm needs to overwinter, it can remain in its pupa form for up to 9 months.
The third stage of the mealworm life cycle is the adult stage. After the pupa stage, the adult beetle will crawl out and leave its old shell behind, ready to mate and lay eggs for the next few months before dying. The adult beetles are 1.25-1.8 centimeters long and are generally flightless due to their wings being fused to their bodies, making them easy to keep in captivity. The adult beetles start out brown and usually darken to black.
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Uses and benefits
Mealworms are a popular food source for many animals, particularly birds, sugar gliders, and frogs. They are also fed to chickens to provide them with an excellent source of protein, aiding in egg-laying and resulting in larger, healthier eggs. Mealworms are especially beneficial for finches, as they are a vital source of live food during breeding. Some types of finches, such as strawberry finches, red-headed finches, and waxbills, will not breed without live food in their diet.
The larvae and pupae of Tenebrio Molitor, commonly known as mealworms, are highly nutritious and rank first among all types of live animal protein feed. They are nutrient-rich and high in protein, making them an excellent food option for animals that require a protein-rich diet. Mealworms are also clean to handle, making them a convenient choice for feeding a wide range of animals.
When it comes to breeding mealworms, the process can be as simple or complex as desired. They have minimal requirements and can be bred in various containers, with bran, rolled oats, or chicken pellets as their substrate and food supply. Sliced carrots are also a simple and effective food source for mealworms, providing moisture without the risk of mould.
Mealworms are easy to care for and maintain. They require occasional shuffling to increase airflow and the removal or replacement of food sources to prevent mould. The breeding process can be adjusted to suit specific needs, such as using organic food to produce organic mealworms or utilising cheaper substitutes like bran or pollard, which can be purchased in bulk.
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Frequently asked questions
The life cycle of a mealworm consists of four stages: eggs, larva, pupa, and adult. The whole growth cycle takes 45-65 days.
There are two common approaches to breeding mealworms. The first is to keep the larvae, pupa, and beetles all together in one container. The second is to separate each lifecycle stage into a different container.
Mealworms eat bran, rolled oats, chicken starter crumble, or chicken pellets. They can also eat sliced vegetables and fruits such as carrots, apples, and potatoes, but avoid citrus fruits.
