robertcarst Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 Hello everyone. This is my first post and would really need your knowledge. Are there different larvae of tenebrio molitor. What I mean is: can mealworms differ in size so that they can be consider a different kind? I read somewhere that there are 4 types of mealworms according to their size. Is this true? Thanks for your time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 I think mealworms of the same species are often sold in different size lots. "Superworms" are Zophobas morio though, and there might be another species or two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertcarst Posted July 24, 2009 Author Share Posted July 24, 2009 I think mealworms of the same species are often sold in different size lots. "Superworms" are Zophobas morio though, and there might be another species or two. I did a little research and found Tenebrio obscurus (mini mealworm) they reach 12-19 mm. Also the beetles (adults) of the mealworm, superworm and mini mealworm are all members of the family Darkling beetle, and it is estimated that this family of bugs consists of nearly 20.000 members, so I guess there are 20.000 larvae, but these three are the only ones that are used as food for reptiles and arachnids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 That's interesting. I'm breeding a small darkling beetle with my wood roaches. They produce shorter, fatter larvae than commercial mealworms, but my mantids don't seem to like them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hibiscusmile Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 Have u tried just giving them the larve that it turns into between the worm and beetle stage? Mine like the worm and larve, only a few eat the beetles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 You mean the pupae? I haven't tried that. I only used the larvae when I was really hurting for food, and I don't have pupae around all the time. But they probably would be more appealing because of the softer shell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hibiscusmile Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 yea, poor things, when I pick them up with my forceps they wiggle! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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