What are they?
Mealworms are the larval stage of the Mealworm/Darkling/Tenebrio Beetle.
What are the other stages of its life cycle?
The beetles lay eggs, which hatch into mealworms. These mealworms shed their skins several times before becoming pupae. Eventually they pupate back into beetles.
How do you breed them?
Breeding mealworms is extremely easy: see here for the RSPB's advice on the topic. Just purchase two wide flattish containers with lids and steep smooth sides, fill them both with oats 3 inches deep, and buy a pot of live mealworms. Put these in one container. Every two or three days, feed them fresh veg peelings or scraps. Make sure you remove old bits of veg. When you find a mealworm pupa, move it Container 2. This will become your beetle container. Feed the beetles the same way as the mealworms. They will lay eggs. When you find baby mealworms in the beetle container, move them back to the mealworm one. Top up the oats every so often; replace them every few months.
What birds like them?
A wide variety of birds will take mealworms, but the main mealworm-lovers are Jays, Robins and Blue Tits.
What other animals eat them?
Mealworms are often used as a food for reptiles such as lizards and snakes, larger insects, or chickens. Bizarrely, they are actually edible for us as well and taste just like seeds or nuts! Eat them live and raw, or, if this doesn't appeal, freeze them for 15 minutes to kill them then fry or roast them. Chop them if you wish. Can be eaten dipped in chocolate or sprinkled on soup, or added to biscuits and cookies...appeal to you?
Can the beetles fly?
The beetles are physically capable of flying, however they only take flight if they do not have enough food. Provide them with ample food and they will not fly at all. Best to keep a lid on the box though just in case!
What is the nutritional content of a mealworm?
Per 100g (basic nutritional content):
Fat 27.2%
Protein 49.6%
Carbohydrates 6.9 grams
Calories: 471 calories
Fibre: 3.1%
Calcium: 420 ppm
Fat 27.2%
Protein 49.6%
Carbohydrates 6.9 grams
Calories: 471 calories
Fibre: 3.1%
Calcium: 420 ppm
Why should I start a mealworm colony?
1. They are cute and they tickle when they walk on your hand!
2. They are slightly crazy but entirely harmless.
3. They provide great natural all-year-round food for your birds (or even yourself if you have the courage...!)
4. You can conduct scientific experiments on them easily.
5. They are easy to keep.
2. They are slightly crazy but entirely harmless.
3. They provide great natural all-year-round food for your birds (or even yourself if you have the courage...!)
4. You can conduct scientific experiments on them easily.
5. They are easy to keep.