Common Name(s): Mealworm, Yellow Mealworm

Size: 20-25mm

Description: Mealworms are commonly found in most pet stores. They are used as a standard feeder for most insectivorous pets. With general ease of production mealworms are usually the least expensive feeder insect option.

Mealworms are fairly nutritionally complete but still require adjustment. One way to help improve this is to feed the insects high quality foods prior to feeding the insects to your pet. This process is called gutloading. Gutloading should take place for 24-48 hours prior to when you intend to feed the insects to your pet. This requires some planning, but is well worth it. Please note that gutloaded insects should still be dusted with calcium and vitamins as per your veterinarian's recommendations.

Mealworms can live a variable amount of time especially when kept cold. Keeping mealworms in the refrigerator will make them last indefinitely. Keeping mealworms at room temperature will provide you with 4-6 weeks approximately before having some pupate and turn to beetles. Once a week or so you should remove the mealworms from the fridge for 24 hours to allow them time to shed and eat. If you intend to store your mealworms for much longer then a month then changing their substrate monthly will help keep them healthy. Feeding mealworms is fairly easy. There are many gutloads or mealworm diets available that are safe to feed to the mealworms constantly. Another option is to feed various grains and cereals, such as oatmeal, wheat bran, and 12 grain cereal. In addition to this a moisture source should be provided. Slices of potato or apple are ideal. Be sure to wash all fruits or vegetables carefully as they could still have pesticides on them that will kill the mealworms. Also, the items you feed to the mealworms will affect their nutritional value, so vary it as much as possible.

Our mealworms are shipped in chicken bran unless ordering 5000 or more. The bran should be enough food to last the mealworms for a while, so only a moisture source needs to be provided initially. You will notice that there will be a fine powder on the bottom of the container over time. This is the waste produced by the mealworms. Change the mealworms to a new substrate before all the bran is consumed. If you notice that the substrate gets moist make sure to change it immediately. Moisture can lead to mould, and mouldy food has been linked to many problems and deaths in otherwise healthy animals.

Additional Comments: Mealworms are commonly available and cheap to purchase. With their long shelf life, no noise or smell it is no wonder why they are so popular. Feeding freshly moulted mealworms is preferred as their outer shell is softer and easier on your pet's digestive tract. Be sure you still gutload and dust the mealworms accordingly. With the gutloading and dusting mealworms are an excellent staple in your pet's varied diet. No pet should be fed a diet consisting of only one type of feeder insect.

Mealworms can be cultured very easily. If you wish to start a culture at home there are many pages describing in great detail how to culture your own mealworms.

*All sizes and shelf lives are approximate.

Prices: (20-25mm, approx. 1")