What Kind of Animals Eat Mealworms?

Birds

• Many birds will eat mealworm larvae, while the worm is still in a worm stage. Wild birds especially prefer mealworm, so an outside bird feeder with the addition of a few mealworms will be a welcome surprise. Chickens and turkeys will also appreciate the addition of mealworm to their daily food. But to avoid the larvae growing, it is best to use dried dead mealworms.

  All indoor birds might not be so accepting of mealworms, but while young, most birds can easily be taught to eat dried dead mealworms. It is always best to do some reading on the specific bird species and their natural diet, before attempting to feed it anything different.

Reptiles

• Reptiles, like turtles, tortoises, chameleons, lizards and basilisks, will eat a mealworm in its larvae or beetle stage. Although most of these reptiles would prefer to capture and eat a live insect, it is recommended to rather feed dead and dried mealworms. Although still not definitively proven, their have been many cases of mealworm beetles eating their way out of the stomach of their predator, killing the animal in the process. If the reptile is healthy and in good shape, he or she will chew the beetle completely before swallowing, but in some cases when the reptile is ill or under-fed, they will swallow the beetle whole. Once again, it is best to read up about the specific reptile species and their natural diet before feeding mealworms.

Mammals

• Small mammals such as hedgehogs, moles, bats and rodents are known for feeding on insects and worms in natural circumstances. These pets will eat mealworms in its larvae and fully grown beetle stage. There is also less of a concern with regards to beetles eating their way out of the stomach, as these pets are more likely to chew the beetle finely and not swallow it whole. However, large beetles are known for biting and will probably bite at your pet to defend itself. Lizards and reptiles will not necessarily feel these bites, but small mammals such as rodents and hedgehogs will feel these bites.

Amphibians

• Frogs, toads, newts and salamanders will all eat mealworm. Again, when feeding beetles, make sure that the amphibian chews the beetle and does not just swallow it whole. If the pet generally swallows its food whole, rather avoid mealworm beetles and see whether it will eat mealworms in the larvae stage. As with all other pets, read up on the natural diet and health of the pet before purchasing any foods and try to feed only the foods known to the animal in its natural habitat. Most pet stores keep a variety of foods for all animal types, but if possible, find a pet store specializing in amphibians and reptiles, as it will have a larger selection of foods.