Three species of mealworm are used to feed a variety of pets and wild birds, and it is easy to breed your own.
Mealworms are not worms at all; they are the larvae of three different species of Darkling Beetle. The one we are most familiar with is Tenbrio molitor the Mealworm Beetle, but mini-mealworms (Tenebrio obscurus) and ‘superworms’ (Zophobas morio) are very similar creatures. The adult (image) is one of about 350,000 described species of beetle, and it is estimated that there may be more than 5 million other species still awaiting classification.
Beetles
Beetles have always been a favourite of entomologists, second only to the butterflies and moths. Their hard wing-cases makes the dead specimens simple to store and display and their relatively large size makes them easy to see and catch. It is thought that about 40% of all insects are beetles, so there are certainly plenty to collect. Beetles were one of Charles Darwin’s earliest obsessions, and there is a charming story of him strolling around the Pampas of S America and finding two new species of beetle – one for each hand – then finding a third and popping it into his mouth for safe transport back to HMS Beagle!
Mealworms for pets
Mealworms, also known as Golden Worms or Yellow Worms, are used to supplement the diet of insectivorous pets. They are suitable for most reptiles and amphibians, as well as many birds – wild and captive. Superworms are used for the larger birds, and mini-mealworms are given to young animals or the smaller species of lizard. The smaller worms are also used to feed predatory insects and spiders when these are kept as pets!
Breeding mealworms
Mealworms can be purchased from pet stores, but they are also very easy to breed at home. All you need is a suitable container, food in the form of flour or cereals and, or course, a few mealworms. The RSPB (in the UK) has a good website with detailed instructions about how to breed your own mealworms. There is very little to it – but one word of caution – some people develop an allergic reaction to mealworms if they spend to long in their vicinity. This usually takes the form of an ‘asthma-like’ attack, but can also lead to skin problems. If this happens then get rid of the mealworms immediately!
Mealworms for fishing
Freshwater fishermen are beginning to use mealworms as bait, and they are supposed to be better than more traditional earthworms and maggots. Superworms are the favourites, supposedly with much more ‘wiggle’. Mealworms are highly nutritious, packed full of vitamins and over 20% protein, so I’m sure the fish approve of this.
Mealworms for tea!
In fact mealworms are so nutritious that some people advocate eating them on a regular basis. If you feel adventurous you might like to try this mealworm fried rice recipe!
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