Superworm Care Guide
Introduction
Common Name: Super worm
Scientific Name: Zophobasmorio
Superworms, the larval stage of the darkling beetle (Zophobasmorio), are a popular choice as feeder insects for reptiles. They should not be confused with giant mealworms, which are mealworms treated with juvenile hormone. Superworms are an excellent source of calcium, fat, and fiber, and they yield higher amounts of these nutrients compared to mealworms due to their hard chitin. This thick chitin can make it harder for some pets to eat, so ensure your pet can handle it. To ensure your superworms 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.
Superworms 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 superworm (Fluker’s Superworms):
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Moisture: 61.92%
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Fat: 14.19%
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Protein: 19.06%
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Fiber: 2.6%
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Calcium: 173 ppm
Housing and Bedding
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Container: A large plastic container with air holes in the top.
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Substrate: Use a thick layer of wheat bran, oatmeal, or Fluker’s mealworm bedding to provide both food and bedding for your superworms.
Initial Setup
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Upon Arrival: Place superworms in the plastic container with the proper substrate. Unlike mealworms, superworms should not be refrigerated as it will lead to increased death of the insect.
Long-term Care
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Storage: Superworms are long lived insects and room temperature. They are highly active eaters so always remember to check their substrate and refresh it when needed. Do not refrigerate superworm larvae. Unlike mealworms they do not hibernate, and the lower temperatures may kill them.
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Moisture: To supply superworms moisture feed them a few pieces of sliced potato or carrot.
Cleaning and Maintenance
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Regular Cleaning: When adding new superworms to your enclosure, remove the old potato, substrate, and frass (waste) from the leftover superworms.
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Fresh Supplies: Provide fresh food and substrate to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
Feeding to Reptiles
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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.
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Dusting: Dust mealworms with a calcium supplement before feeding to ensure your reptiles receive essential nutrients.
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Activity: Superworms are much more active than mealworms, making them appealing for pets that enjoy hunting or are picky eaters. Their movement can attract insectivorous creatures.
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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.