Mealworms are often used as feeder insects for reptiles, birds, and fish. In the wild, they have a diet that mainly consists of rotting plants, fungi, and seeds. They are scavengers and are typically found in environments such as decaying wood, leaf litter, or compost piles, where they can feed on organic matter that is decomposing. But if you want to make a mealworm farm, you have to provide better nourishment.
Mealworms eat almost anything, but the best food for growth are wheat bran, rye flour and buckwheat. Fruit waste makes mealworms plump and lowers mortality rates.
Natural Mealworm Food
Rotting plants serve as a valuable food source for mealworms in their natural habitat. As these insects tend to avoid fresh and living plants, they prefer consuming vegetation that is decomposing. The decaying matter provides essential nutrients and moisture necessary for their growth and development.
Fungi also play a significant role in the mealworms’ diet. They can feed on various types of fungi, including molds and mushrooms. Fungi serve as a vital food source for mealworms because they provide necessary proteins and carbohydrates required for their survival.
Seeds are another important component of mealworms’ diet in the wild. Once seeds start to deteriorate and become softer due to age or damage, mealworms can easily consume them. This ability to digest seeds allows them to benefit from the rich nutrient content within, including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
Farm Mealworm Food
In contrast to their wild counterparts, farmed mealworms are often raised in controlled environments such as farms or laboratories. They are typically fed a diet that consists of crushed grains like oatmeal and wheat. These grains provide the necessary nutrition for the mealworms to grow and reproduce efficiently. Mealworms in farms are also fed cat food, dog food, cereal, vegetables, fruits and flour.
While mealworms are not picky about food, you’ll want to give them them something healthy and nutritious. This is essential if you want them to thrive as a colony. And as you’ll see, it will not cost much.
What is the Best Food for Mealworm Growth?
While mealworms feed on almost everything, I will focus on foods that enhance growth and fat content. For instance, adding 10% yeast protein to a wheat only diet can increase larvae weight from 2 mg to 50 mg. A diet rich in protein, fats, carbohydrates and moisture leads to healthier mealworms.
I also recommend feeding mealworms with cereal flour. Rye, millet, barley, semolina and corn are excellent. Oatmeal and cornmeal are also good for them. They are also used as bedding for mealworms, but since they eat those too you can use these. Wheat bran is the most ideal but if you don’t have any, oats and others will be fine.
Food waste, in particular fruits are good for boosting fat content. Almost any fruit waste is fine but eggshells, banana peels and waste from melons and cantaloupe are the best.
What about legumes? Researchers discovered LNK that legume-only diets can shorten a mealworm’s lifespan by up to 15%. It is okay to give mealworms legumes if it is mixed with other foods.
Mixing vegetables with garden compost increases their fat absorption. Too much may cut their lifespan so some balance is needed.
There are a lot of options when it comes to mealworm food. What you feed them is a matter of personal preference. Personally I like to mix and match the food. I also make sure there are enough nutrients regardless what I feed them.
What Not to Feed Mealworms
Here are some substances and foods to avoid giving to mealworms. These may not necessarily kill the worms, but it will slow growth and make them vulnerable to disease.
Very moist foods: Mealworms thrive in dry conditions with some moisture. Very wet fruits, vegetables, or any water-containing substances can lead to bacterial growth, mold development, and ultimately, the death of the mealworms.
High-sugar foods: Mealworms should not be given sugary items such as candy, chocolate, sugary cereal, or any other sweet treats. High sugar content can disrupt their digestive system, causing complications like diarrhea or bloating. Additionally, mealworms do not naturally consume sweet substances in the wild.
Processed food: Foods with preservatives, artificial flavors, or high levels of sodium should be avoided. These additives can be harmful to mealworms and negatively impact their overall health and growth.
Spices and seasonings: Avoid feeding mealworms anything seasoned with spices, herbs, or any strong flavorings. Such substances can irritate their digestive system or discourage them from eating, leading to malnutrition and even death.
Citrus fruits: Mealworms cannot tolerate acidic fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, or grapefruits. The high acid content can cause discomfort and potentially harm their delicate digestive tract.
Dairy products: Mealworms lack the necessary enzymes to digest dairy products such as milk, cheese, or yogurt. These foods can lead to digestive issues or even fatal complications. Milk-based diets can reduce mortality rates by 50% so avoid it.
Raw meat: While mealworms are often fed to carnivorous pets, giving them raw meat can pose serious health risks. Raw meat can contain harmful bacteria like salmonella or E. coli, which can infect the mealworms or transfer to the animals consuming them.
Always remember to provide fresh, clean, and uncontaminated foods to your mealworms. Their natural diet consists of grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Proper nutrition is essential for their growth, reproduction, and overall wellbeing.
How Often Do Mealworms Need to Eat?
As with any living organism, mealworms have specific dietary requirements that must be met to ensure their health and well-being.
Mealworms primarily eat decomposing organic matter, such as leaves, grains, or dead insects. Their diet consists of various nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients help them grow and develop properly.
The frequency which mealworms need to eat depends on their age and specific circumstances. Younger mealworms require more frequent feeding compared to older larvae or pupae. Generally, worms should be provided with fresh food every one to two days to ensure they receive enough nutrients to support their growth.
For adult mealworms, feeding can be less frequent. These mature larvae can go without food for several days, usually up to a week or more, without experiencing any adverse effects. However, it is important to note that mealworms need a constant supply of fresh water to stay hydrated, especially if their food source does not contain significant moisture content.
To provide a balanced diet, I recommend that you feed mealworms a variety of nutrient-rich foods. This can include fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and lettuce, as well as grains like oats or bran. Additionally, providing a small dish with a moistened sponge or slices of fruits and vegetables can help fulfill their hydration needs.
It’s crucial to monitor the mealworms’ feeding habits and adjust the frequency and quantity of food provided accordingly. Overfeeding can lead to deterioration of the environment where they are kept and may result in uneaten food becoming moldy. On the other hand, underfeeding can have negative effects on their growth and development.
Do Mealworms Need Water?
While they primarily obtain moisture from the foods they eat, water for mealworms is essential for their overall health and well-being.
Water requirements for mealworms differ depending on their life stage. Larval or worm-like mealworms have higher water content within their bodies compared to adult beetles. Therefore, they can survive for longer periods without direct water supplementation. However, providing a water source is still important to ensure their optimal growth and development.
There are several ways to provide water to mealworms:
- Moisture-rich foods: Mealworms can intake water through foods such as fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens. Including these moisture-rich items in their diet will help meet their water requirements naturally.
- Fresh vegetables and fruits: Providing small slices of cucumbers, apples, or carrots can supply additional moisture to mealworms. These should be replaced regularly to avoid mold or bacteria growth.
- Water gel crystals/polymer crystals: These crystals are readily available in pet stores or online. They are designed to absorb and retain water, gradually releasing it to provide hydration. By placing a small amount in the mealworm container, the larvae can access water whenever needed.
- Water source integration: Adding a small water dish to the mealworm container can be an effective means of providing hydration. However, it is crucial to ensure the dish is shallow and secure to prevent drowning. Placing something like a sponge or water-absorbent paper halfway into the dish can assist mealworms in easily accessing the water without getting submerged.
Regardless of the method used, it is essential to monitor the water supply regularly. The water source should be replenished or refreshed frequently to prevent contamination or bacterial growth, which could harm the mealworms. Moreover, maintaining appropriate temperature and ventilation in the mealworm habitat is crucial as high humidity levels may cause mold and spoilage.
While mealworms primarily obtain moisture from their diet, providing additional water sources is necessary for optimal growth and overall health. By incorporating moist foods, using water gel crystals, or adding a shallow water dish, mealworm keepers can ensure their larvae and adult beetles receive sufficient hydration. Regular monitoring and maintenance of the water source are crucial to prevent any adverse effects on the mealworms.
Conclusion
Bottom line, the diet of mealworms varies depending on whether they are in the wild or cultivated. In their natural habitat, mealworms primarily consume rotting plants, fungi, and seeds. However, cultivated mealworms are typically fed crushed grains like oatmeal and wheat to ensure optimal growth and reproduction. Understanding their dietary preferences and requirements is crucial for successful cultivation and utilization of mealworms in various industries.
