Mealworm Care Guide

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Introduction 

Common Name: Mealworm 

Scientific Name: Tenebrio Molitor 

Mealworms, the larval stage of the darkling beetle (Tenebrio molitor), are a popular choice as feeder insects for reptiles.  Mealworms are an excellent source of calcium, fat, and fiber. They are slower moving than other insects, such as crickets, allowing younger reptiles and birds to easily catch their prey. They have less thick chitin than superworms, which makes them easier to digest than the larger superworm. To ensure your mealworms are the healthiest and most nutritious for your pets, follow these care instructions. 

 Nutritional Benefits 

Insects are a natural food source for many animals, including birds, spiders, reptiles, fish, and other arthropods. These animals' prey on insects with high protein and fat content in the wild. Using mealworms as feeder insects for your pets allows them to feed on their natural diet. 

Mealworms are rich in essential nutrients and are particularly valuable for their higher calcium, fat, and protein content. Their nutritional profile makes them a highly desirable choice for many insectivorous pets. 

 Typical nutritional analysis of a mealworm (Fluker’s Mealworms): 

  • Moisture: 62.62% 

  • Fat: 10.01% 

  • Protein: 10.63% 

  • Fiber:3.1% 

  • Calcium:420 ppm 

 Housing and Bedding 

  • Container: A large plastic container with air holes in the top. 

  • Substrate: Use a thick layer of wheat bran, oatmeal, or Fluker’s mealworm bedding to provide both food and bedding for your mealworms. 

Initial Setup 

  • Container Set-up: Use a thick layer of wheat bran, oatmeal, or Fluker’s mealworm bedding or a mix of these. Add fresh fruits of vegetables to the container to supply the mealworms moisture. 

  • Arrival: Empty your new mealworms into the container. You will see your mealworms readily bury themselves in the substrate or migrate to the source of moisture. 

  • Storage: Store your mealworms in the refrigerator at around 45°F to 50°F. If you intend to keep your mealworms for longer than two weeks remove the mealworms from the refrigerator and let them become active.  

Long-term Care 

  • Storage: Mealworms can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This will help prevent growth to keep your mealworms at the right size for your reptile or bird.  After two weeks remove your mealworms from the refrigerator and allow your worms to become active.  
  • Moisture: To supply mealworms moisture, feed them a few pieces of sliced potato, carrot or other fruit and vegetables. 

Feeding to Reptiles 

  • Preparation: Remove your mealworms from the refrigerator and remove the number of mealworms you intend to feed. Allow 30 minutes to an hour for the mealworms to warm up and become more active.  

  • Gut-loading: Gut-load mealworms with nutrient-rich foods such as dark leafy greens or commercial gut-loading diets for 24-48 hours (about 2 days) before feeding them to your reptiles. 

  • Dusting: Dust mealworms with a calcium supplement before feeding to ensure your reptiles receive essential nutrients. 

 Cleaning and Maintenance 

  •  Regular Cleaning: When adding new mealworms to your enclosure, remove the old potato, substrate, and frass (waste) from the leftover mealworms. 
  • Fresh Supplies: Provide fresh food and substrate to maintain a clean and healthy environment. 

  • Disposal: To dispose of live feeders responsibly, place in an escape-proof bag or container, freeze for at least 24 hours, and then dispose of in the garbage can. 

  

By following these guidelines, you can maintain a healthy mealworm colony and provide nutritious feeder insects for your reptiles. Regular care and the benefits of gut-loading insects will ensure your reptiles receive the best possible nutrition from their mealworms. 

Find out more about the safe disposal of live feeder insects. 

SHOP MEALWORMS
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