Characteristics and Distribution
Adult mealworms are 12 to 20 mm long, while larvae can grow up to 30 mm. The red flour beetle feeds in grain and flour warehouses, which are kept in unhygienic conditions. Both the adult insect and the larva attack flour, bran, rusks and other grain products. It also occurs in bird nests and under the bark of deciduous trees.
Breeding and use
Mealworms are often bred as food for many species of lizards, such as leopard geckos, and for predatory invertebrates. They are also popular as bait for fishing. Keeping mealworms is relatively easy. They are fed wheat bran, oats, cornflakes or breadcrumbs. It is interesting to note that mealworms are bred on a large scale in China by HaoCheng Mealworm Inc.
Mealworms as food
In January 2021, the European Food Safety Authority included the larvae of the mealworm beetle in the catalogue of ‘novel foods’. In Bangkok, mealworm larvae were sold as a delicacy together with other insects.
Summary
The mealworm is a fascinating insect with many uses. It can be a problem for grain warehouses, but at the same time it is a valuable food source in the fields of terrariums and fishing. The growing interest in insects as a source of protein means that the mealworm is also becoming increasingly popular in the catering industry.
Frequently asked questions
What is a mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and how can you identify it?
The mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) is a beetle from the darkling beetle family. Adults are 12–20 mm long, and the larvae can grow up to 30 mm.
Where do mealworms occur and why are they considered a pest in grain products?
They occur in grain and flour warehouses, especially those kept in unhygienic conditions. They are considered a pest because both adults and larvae attack flour, bran, rusks and other grain products.
What do mealworms eat in storage and in home breeding setups?
In storage, they feed on grain products such as flour, bran and rusks. In home breeding, they are fed wheat bran, oats, cornflakes or breadcrumbs.
How do you breed and keep mealworms as feeder insects for reptiles?
Mealworms are often bred as food for lizards such as leopard geckos and for predatory invertebrates. Keeping them is relatively easy, and they can be fed wheat bran, oats, cornflakes or breadcrumbs.
Are mealworm larvae approved as a ‘novel food’ in the European Union?
Yes—In January 2021, the European Food Safety Authority included mealworm larvae in the catalogue of ‘novel foods’. This recognizes them as a novel food in the EU context.
What are the most common uses of mealworms (terrariums, fishing bait, food)?
They are commonly used as feeder insects in terrariums and as fishing bait. They are also gaining popularity as food, and in Bangkok they have been sold as a delicacy together with other insects.
