Mealworms are the larval stage of the yellow mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor, a darkling beetle. These insects undergo a complete metamorphosis, progressing through egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Mealworms serve various purposes, often used as a protein-rich food source for pets such as reptiles, birds, and fish, and are also popular as fishing bait. Mealworms are also explored for human consumption due to their high protein, fat, and fiber content, and play a role in decomposition and plastic waste degradation.
Mealworms in Their Natural Environment
In their natural habitats, mealworms typically reside in warm, dark, and damp environments. They can be found under logs, within decaying leaves, or in animal burrows, where they access abundant food sources and thrive on available organic materials.
Mealworms are primarily detritivores, meaning they consume decaying organic matter. Their natural diet includes rotting wood, dead leaves, grasses, and various plant debris. They also feed on grains, new plant growth, animal waste, and dead insects. This feeding behavior aids decomposition and nutrient cycling within ecosystems.
What to Feed Captive Mealworms
Providing a balanced diet for captive mealworms involves offering both dry food as their primary sustenance and moisture sources for hydration. This combination ensures healthy growth and development.
Dry food forms the bulk of a mealworm’s diet and often doubles as their bedding. Wheat bran is a widely recommended and cost-effective option, often used in commercial rearing for its nutritional value and suitability for burrowing. Other suitable dry foods include rolled oats or oatmeal, cornmeal, and unmedicated chicken feed, such as chick starter or crumbles. Some dry pet foods, like dog kibble or fish flakes, can also be offered as supplemental nutrition.
Mealworms do not drink standing water and instead obtain moisture from fresh fruits and vegetables. Apple slices, carrots, and potatoes, especially sweet potatoes, are excellent choices for hydration. Leafy greens like lettuce, cabbage, and kale stems can also be offered. Replace these moisture sources regularly (every 24 to 48 hours) to prevent mold and maintain a healthy environment.
Foods to Keep Away From Mealworms
Avoid certain foods that can harm mealworm health or habitat cleanliness. Understanding these restrictions ensures the colony’s well-being.
Avoid foods prone to rapid molding or excessive moisture, like watery fruits such as watermelon or soft tomatoes. Mold introduces harmful fungi, leading to illness and mortality. Citrus fruits, including oranges and lemons, are not recommended due to high acidity, which can harm mealworms or their consumers.
Always avoid produce treated with pesticides; choose organic or thoroughly wash non-organic items. Spoiled or rotting foods introduce harmful bacteria or fungi, compromising mealworm health and potentially animals fed to them. While mealworms need protein, diets solely of high-protein legumes (e.g., chickpea or lentil flour) increase mortality. Foods high in excessive oils, salts, or seasonings can disrupt digestion.