How to Breed Heaps of Mealworms

The darkling beetle undergoes four life stages. After the beetles lay eggs, the eggs hatch into larvae. The larvae are mealworms. Then they turn into pupa, then into beetles. Birds, reptiles, sugar gliders and other pets all enjoy a snack of mealworms. Breeding your own mealworms can save you money and trips to the pet supply store. After you set up your mealworm breeding area, they require little maintenance.

Things You'll Need

  • Substrate
  • 3 plastic bins
  • Potato wedges
  • Mealworms
  • Screens
  • Apple
  • Vinegar
  • Water
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Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • 1

      Place about 2 inches of substrate (the base on which the mealworms will live) in the bottoms of three clear plastic storage bins with smooth sides. The substrate may be a mixture of bran flakes, oatmeal, cornmeal and powdered milk. You do not need to add all of these ingredients; a mixture of some of them will work. Set two of the containers aside; you will not need them initially.

    • 2

      Place a peeled potato wedge in the container, along with your starter batch of mealworms. Replace the potato about once a week, or more often if it becomes moldy. Potato wedges provide moisture.

    • 3

      Cover the container with a sheet of screening. Place the container in an area with a constant temperature of about 77 to 81 degrees. Colder temperatures can inhibit reproduction.

    Breeding

    • 4

      Observe your mealworms daily. After about one to three weeks, you should see the larvae begin to metamorphose into pupa and then beetles.

    • 5

      Sift the beetles into the second plastic container. Alternatively, use a chunk of apple to separate the beetles. Place the apple in the first container, wait for the beetles to swarm to it, then shake them off in the second container. Repeat until the beetles are separated.

    • 6

      Add a potato wedge, and place a screen on the top of the second container.

    • 7

      Wait for the beetles to lay eggs and for the eggs to hatch. Once they hatch, separate the larvae into the third container. Provide a moisture source and a screen cover for the third container.

    Care and Maintenance

    • 8

      Keep the containers away from direct sunlight.

    • 9

      Remove dead mealworms or beetles from the containers as soon as you notice them.

    • 10

      Check the level of substrate every few days. When the substrate is close to gone, clean the container and replace the substrate.

    • 11

      Sift the beetles, mealworms or pupa to an empty container for cleaning. Empty out all waste and remaining substrate. Disinfect the container with a mixture of half vinegar and half water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry.

    • 12

      Add fresh substrate and a potato wedge to the container, then place the mealworms, beetles or pupa back inside it.