Do mealworms live in a hot environment or cold environment?

Mealworms are cold-adapted insects that thrive in temperatures ranging from 15°C to 29°C (59°F to 84°F). They can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) but begin to experience stress at temperatures above 35°C (95°F). Mealworms are sensitive to heat and will die if exposed to temperatures above 45°C (113°F) for an extended period.

Mealworms are often found living in warm, dry climates, such as deserts and grasslands. They seek shelter under rocks and logs to escape from the sun's heat and high temperatures. In colder climates, mealworms burrow underground or seek shelter in protected areas to avoid freezing.

Mealworms have adapted to their cold environment by developing a unique antifreeze protein. This protein helps to protect their cells from damage caused by the formation of ice crystals at low temperatures. Mealworms also have the ability to enter a state of diapause during periods of cold weather. Diapause is a dormant state in which an insect's metabolism slows down and it stops eating, moving, and reproducing. This helps them to conserve energy and survive until more favourable conditions return.