How difficult is it to keep Mealworm?

Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.

What is the ideal temperature for Mealworm?

The ideal temperature for Mealworm is 22〜28℃. Recommended humidity is 40〜60%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Mealworm?

The average lifespan of Mealworm is Adults 6-12 months; larval stage several months (9-20 instars). With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Mealworm get?

Mealworm typically reaches Larvae up to about 32mm, adults up to about 19mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Mealworm?

Mealworm feeds on: Wheat bran or breadcrumbs, vegetable scraps as a moisture source. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Mealworm?

The price of Mealworm varies significantly depending on bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Mealworm

Beginner

Tenebrio molitor

Larva of the yellow mealworm beetle, a darkling beetle. A slender yellow-brown grub that can be bred on wheat bran alone, making it the easiest feeder insect. Adults are dark brown beetles.

Difficulty

Beginner

Temperature

22〜28℃

Lifespan

Adults 6-12 months; larval stage several months (9-20 instars)

Size

Larvae up to about 32mm, adults up to about 19mm

Humidity

40〜60%

Diet

Wheat bran or breadcrumbs, vegetable scraps as a moisture source

About

The yellow mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor), sold as 'mealworm', is a stored-grain pest probably of Mediterranean origin that is farmed worldwide as live food for birds, reptiles and amphibians. Larvae are yellow-brown and up to about 32mm; adults are dark brown beetles of up to about 19mm. Eggs hatch 4-19 days after laying, larvae pass through 9-20 instars before pupating, pupae emerge after 3-30 days, and adults live 6-12 months, laying about 500 eggs in a lifetime. Culture needs only a container with a few centimetres of wheat bran or breadcrumbs, larvae and adults, and carrot or potato as a moisture source. Fresh pupae are eaten by larvae and adults and should be moved to a separate container. Nutritionally the larvae are high in phosphorus and low in calcium, so dust with calcium powder or gut-load with vegetables before feeding. Chilling at about 10C slows growth for storage, and freshly moulted white larvae are the easiest to digest.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Mealworm

The Mealworm lives Adults 6-12 months; larval stage several months (9-20 instars).

Size of the Mealworm

The Mealworm grows to Larvae up to about 32mm, adults up to about 19mm.

Temperature & humidity for the Mealworm

The ideal temperature for the Mealworm is 22〜28℃. Ideal humidity is 40〜60%.

Keep at 22-28C and 40-60% humidity; in damp conditions fungal infection turns individuals black and spreads through cannibalism, so remove dead stock promptly.