description Mealworm Beetle Overview
Tenebrio molitor is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. Its larval stage is commonly called the yellow mealworm, and the larvae are associated with stored grain and other dry plant materials. Mealworms are raised commercially as feed for birds, fish, reptiles, and other animals, and Tenebrio molitor is also permitted or studied as an edible insect in some food systems. The species has a broad distribution and is widely encountered in cultivation.
help Mealworm Beetle FAQ
What is a mealworm beetle?
The mealworm beetle is Tenebrio molitor, a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. Its larva is commonly called the yellow mealworm.
What do mealworm larvae eat?
Yellow mealworm larvae are associated with stored grain and other dry plant materials. They can occur in grain-handling or storage environments.
Why are mealworms raised commercially?
Mealworms are raised as feed for birds, fish, reptiles, and other animals. Their commercial value comes mainly from the larval stage rather than the adult beetle.
Is a mealworm an adult beetle?
The word mealworm usually refers to the larva of Tenebrio molitor, not the adult. The adult is a darkling beetle that develops after the larval stage.
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