| HOW TO RAISE AND BREED MEALWORMS FOR FUN AND PROFIT |
| Mealworms are an easy to keep food source for Rodents, Reptiles, Birds, Fish, and other animals. They are easy to breed and exciting to observe as they morph from eggs, to larva, to adult beetles! Mealworms take up very little space and they reproduce quickly. Read this page to learn how to raise your own mealworms at home or in the classroom. |
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What is a Mealworm?
Phylum, Arthropoda; Class, Insecta; Order, Coleoptera
Phylum, Arthropoda; Class, Insecta; Order, Coleoptera
Identifying Features
Appearance (Morphology)
Mealworm (larva) average an inch in length. They have a tough yellowish brown
exoskeleton and are cylindrical. The larval stage (referred to generally as mealworms)
is worm-like and somewhat hardened for burrowing. The egg is white. The pupa is 1/2
to 3/4" long, white initially then darkening just before the beetle emerges. Length of the
life cycle is 3-5 months. The larval stage may molt as many as 20 times.
Appearance (Morphology)
Mealworm (larva) average an inch in length. They have a tough yellowish brown
exoskeleton and are cylindrical. The larval stage (referred to generally as mealworms)
is worm-like and somewhat hardened for burrowing. The egg is white. The pupa is 1/2
to 3/4" long, white initially then darkening just before the beetle emerges. Length of the
life cycle is 3-5 months. The larval stage may molt as many as 20 times.
| Food The beetles and larvae eat decaying leaves, sticks, grasses and occasionally new plant growth. As general decomposers, they also eat dead insects, feces and stored grains. Habitat Mealworms live in areas surrounded by what they eat under rocks, and logs, in animal burrows and in stored grains. They clean up after plants and animals, and therefore can be found anywhere where "leftovers" occur. Mealworms prefer darkness and to have their body in contact with an object. Predators Many predators eat mealworms including rodents, lizards, predatory beetles, spiders, and birds. |
| Let’s get Started! Materials 1. One Dozen Live Mealworms from your local pet shop. 2. A small plastic container with lid, about 6 inches square by 2 inches deep. 3. Oatmeal, cornmeal, or specialized feed mixes. 4. An automatic humidity controller or some slices of moist carrot to keep humidity in the container at the proper level. A moist sponge also works well. Putting it all together: 1. Drill or cut a few small ¼” air holes in the lid of the container. 2. Fill the container to about ¼ to ½ inch deep with feed mix. 3. Place mealworms in the container. 4. Place the humidity controller or a few slices of moist carrot in the container and put on the lid. 5. Keep the container at room temperature. Be sure to check humidity levels and clean the containers regularly. Nature will do the rest! Soon you will see pupae, then full-grown beetles which will lay eggs of their own! 6. Note: If the feed becomes dark or moldy then remove it and reduce humidity. Never leave the container in direct sunlight. Handling & Storing Mealworms To pick up mealworms, use a plastic spoon or a 3x5" card to scoop them up. When moving mealworms, keep your hands over the container or table to avoid dropping the mealworms on the floor. To store mealworms, keep them in a refrigerated container between 43-53 degrees F (6–12 degrees C), again, with bit of feed and a piece of moist carrot for good humidity. This method can keep mealworms dormant for weeks until needed. |
| Make Money from Home You can turn raising mealworms into your own easy money-making business! Talk to bait shops, pet stores, and other retailers in your area about raising mealworms for them to sell to their customers. |
