Do Mealworms Like a Wet or Dry Environment?

Mealworms are the larval stage of a type of darkling beetle called the mealworm beetle. Mealworms are typically 1 inch in length and are found all over the world. They are important as a food source for humans, pets and wild animals and are easy to raise in captivity. Mealworms like a dry environment.

  1. Habitat

    • In the wild, mealworms and darkling beetles are found in dry regions. They are normally detritivores, meaning they eat rotting organic matter such as dead vegetation and animals. Mealworms usually live under logs, in animal burrows, under rocks or anywhere there is food, such as grain storage silos. Mealworms can drown easily and prefer a dry environment.

    Uses

    • The majority of mealworms that are cultivated by humans are for the pet food industry. They can be used to feed a wide variety of exotic pets including spiders, birds, lizards and rodents. Mealworms are also bred for food novelties, such as chocolate-covered mealworms or to be put in candy.

    Captive Mealworms

    • Captive mealworms can be raised in a container of nearly any type of grain, such as bran or oats. To raise your own as food for pets, purchase mealworms from the pet store and put them in a container filled with grain. In a few weeks the mealworms will pupate and turn into beetles, which will breed and lay eggs. Once enough eggs are laid and hatched, you should have a fairly large-sized, self-sustaining mealworm colony that can be used as food for various pets.

    Moisture

    • Because mealworms can drown easily and the way in which captive mealworms are raised is extremely susceptible to mold and bacterial growth, their habitat should be kept as dry as possible. Mealworms still need water to live, but they can get the water they need from vegetables. For example, a piece of potato or carrot can be left in a mealworm container for the mealworms to drink from.