Facts on Yellow Mealworms

Yellow mealworms are found around the world. They are a source of nutrition for animals and, in some cultures, humans. Yellow mealworms are a good source of protein and are often fed to small reptiles, fish and birds.

  1. Life Cycle

    • Adult female beetles lay up to 600 eggs in a grain source. The eggs hatch into larva, usually within 20 days. The larva stage is when they are considered mealworms. In 10 weeks, they turn in pupa, and within 25 days, they turn into the adult beetle and start the cycle again.

    Size

    • Newly hatched mealworms are difficult to see with the naked eye, while the fully grown mealworms average 1 inch in size. There are approximately 200 full grown mealworms to an ounce.

    Costs

    • You can grow your own mealworms for about 10 cents per 1,000 compared with purchasing them for prices ranging from $6 to $25 per 1,000, but you must invest considerable time in them, up to 200 days per crop.

    Fun Fact

    • Mealworms do not drink water per se but absorb it with their food. One half of a potato supplies enough water for an entire colony for up to one week.

    Warning

    • Mealworm populations have been found in dark, damp quarters in homes and infest grains such as cake mixes, flour, oatmeal and cornmeal products.