One of the most common questions beginners ask is if there is a difference between earthworms and mealworms. That is, if you can substitute one for the other. I can tell you right now there are a lot of things that distinguish the two. So let’s take a closer look at both of them.
Mealworms are not worms at all, but the larvae of darkling beetles. Earthworms are actual worms and can be found in all kinds of soil.
Biggest Differences between Mealworms and Earthworms
I understand why the two can get confused with each other given the name. But if you look at a mealworm and earthworm, you will notice the differences immediately. But there are other things that distinguish one from the other, and it’s not just the appearance.
Classification
Despite their name, mealworms are not classified as worms but rather as the larvae of darkling beetles. These larvae go through several stages of development before they transform into adult beetles.
Earthworms are terrestrial invertebrates that belong to the annelid phylum. They are elongated, cylindrical worms that typically have segmented bodies. Earthworms are found in almost all types of soil, and they play a vital role in the ecosystem. They are known for their burrowing behavior, which helps improve soil structure, water drainage, and aeration.
Appearance
Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) are characterized by their dark brown to black color, hard exoskeleton, and segmented bodies. They have six true legs in the larval stage, followed by soft and plump bodies during the pupal and adult stages.
On the other hand, earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) have cylindrical, soft, and elongated bodies that are segmented with a wet and slimy texture. They lack distinct legs.
Size
Mealworms range from 0.4 to 1 inches long (1.2 to 2.5 cm), depending on their developmental stage. They have a relatively small size compared to earthworms.
In contrast, earthworms are much larger, with an average length of 4 to 12 inches (10-30 cm) although some species can grow even longer.
Habitat
Mealworms are typically found in warm, dry environments such as flour mills, grain bins, and poultry houses. They are often associated with stored grain products or decomposing organic matter.
Earthworms, on the other hand, are commonly found in various soil types across a wide range of habitats like gardens, forests, grasslands, and aquatic environments.
Feeding Habits
Mealworms are detritivores, which means they primarily feed on decaying plant material, fungi, and dead insects. They are often used as feed for reptiles, birds, and other insectivorous pets, as well as for fishing bait.
Earthworms, being ecosystem engineers, play a crucial role in the environment by consuming organic matter in the soil, including dead plant material, leaves, and other organic debris. They help decompose and recycle nutrients in the soil, making it fertile.
Related. What to Feed Mealworms
Reproduction
Mealworms undergo complete metamorphosis, which includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. They lay eggs, and the larvae hatch and molt multiple times to reach the pupal stage before emerging as adult beetles.
Earthworms are hermaphroditic, having both male and female reproductive organs. They lay cocoons in damp soil, which contain multiple eggs. After the eggs hatch, earthworms develop into mature adults without undergoing metamorphosis.
Ecological Importance
Both mealworms and earthworms hold ecological significance, but in different ways. Earthworms improve soil texture, aeration, and fertility by breaking down organic matter and excreting nutrient-rich casts. Their burrowing activities also facilitate water infiltration and help prevent soil erosion.
Mealworms, although less ecologically important, have various applications in research, education, and agriculture. They are utilized as a model organism for studying insect physiology, biochemistry, and development.
Can You Keep Mealworms and Earthworms Together?
Keeping mealworms and earthworms together in the same environment is not advised. Although both worms are part of the phylum Annelida and share some similarities, they have distinct differences in terms of habitat, diet, and behavior.
These dissimilarities make it challenging to provide suitable conditions that would meet the needs of both species simultaneously.
Mealworm Habitat Requirements
Mealworms, or darkling beetle larvae, are typically kept as feeder insects for reptiles and birds, or for educational purposes. They thrive in warm and dry environments, preferably between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius).
Mealworms require a substrate such as oats, bran, or a specialized mealworm bedding to burrow and pupate. Their diet consists of various organic matter, including grains, fruits, vegetables, and even dead insects. Keeping mealworms is relatively easy, as they are low-maintenance and can survive in a simple setup.
Earthworm Habitat Requirements
On the other hand, earthworms, known as detritivores, play important ecological roles in soil health and decomposition. They prefer cool, moist environments with temperatures ranging between 55 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 25 degrees Celsius).
Earthworms require a suitable soil substrate rich in organic matter, with a neutral or slightly acidic pH. They feed on decaying leaves, dead plant material, and organic waste, helping decompose and enrich soil. Maintaining a proper environment for earthworms involves providing them with ample space to burrow and avoiding the use of chemicals or pesticides that could harm them.
Incompatible
While mealworms and earthworms do not pose any direct threat to each other, trying to keep them together would require compromising on optimum conditions for either species. If mealworms need a dry environment with specific bedding, it may be detrimental to the moisture-loving earthworms.
Conversely, providing enough moisture for earthworms might lead to mold or other issues for the mealworms. Similarly, their dietary requirements differ, making it challenging to provide appropriate food sources that meet the nutritional needs of both species.
Considering the differences in habitat, diet, and environmental requirements, it is best to keep mealworms and earthworms in separate setups. This ensures that each species can thrive and fulfill its ecological role without hindrance.
Additionally, maintaining optimal conditions for both worms individually increases the chances of successful breeding, growth, and sustainability in their respective habitats.
Do Earthworms Eat Mealworms?
In the natural environment, where both earthworms and mealworms exist, it is possible for earthworms to eat mealworms. Earthworms are opportunistic feeders and will consume any suitable organic matter they come across, including mealworms if they happen to encounter them. However, such instances might be relatively rare, as earthworms’ diet mostly consists of dead plant material, which is generally more abundant in their habitat.
It is important to note that earthworms are not predatory creatures by nature, and their preferred diet is the decomposing organic material found in the soil. As detritivores, they contribute significantly to the decomposition process and nutrient cycling but typically do not consume live insects or other organisms actively.
In controlled environments like vermiculture systems or compost bins, where earthworms are commonly raised, they are usually provided with a balanced diet of organic waste materials, such as kitchen scraps, yard trimmings, and paper products. In these settings, the likelihood of earthworms encountering mealworms is minimal, as both have distinct preferences and occupy different ecological niches.
Overall, while it is possible for earthworms to eat mealworms if given the opportunity, it is not a significant part of their natural diet. Earthworms are primarily detritivores, focusing on breaking down dead plant materials, enhancing soil fertility, and improving the overall health of the ecosystem they inhabit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mealworms and earthworms differ in their appearance, size, habitat, feeding habits, reproduction, and ecological roles. While mealworms are small, dark-colored insects associated with stored grains, earthworms are larger, soft-bodied creatures that enrich soil and support thriving ecosystems.
Both are beneficial to the environment and in demand by farmers and pet and livestock owners. The good news is you can raise mealworms easily and you can also use earthworms in a worm farm.
