Disposing of shed skin is part of any mealworm farm maintenance. You have probably seen a mealworm actually shedding. But do you know why this happens? It is one of the most interesting things about mealworms and their transformation.
Mealworms undergo a process called molting where they shed their exoskeleton or outer skin as they grow. Shedding skin, also known as ecdysis, is a crucial part of the mealworm’s life cycle and serves several important purposes.
Why Mealworm Skin Falls Off
The primary reason why mealworms shed their skin is to accommodate their rapid growth. Like all insects, mealworms have a rigid exoskeleton that provides protection and support. However, this exoskeleton does not grow with the mealworm. As the mealworm grows, its exoskeleton becomes too tight and restrictive. To overcome this limitation, the mealworm must periodically shed its old skin and emerge with a new, larger exoskeleton that can accommodate its increasing size.
Regeneration
Molting allows mealworms to repair damaged or lost body parts. By shedding their skin, they can regenerate new tissues including legs, antennae and other appendages.
If a mealworm loses a leg in an accident or predation, it can grow a new one during molts. Regeneration is what enables mealworms to maintain their physical integrity and functionality.
Eliminating waste
Mealworms also shed skin to get rid of waste materials such as harmful substances or parasites. During molting, a mealworm discards its old skin and also eliminates any unwanted pathogens or parasites that might have accumulated on its exoskeleton. This helps to keep the mealworm clean and free from potential health issues.
Metamorphosis
Shedding skin is a vital part of the mealworm’s transformation into an adult beetle. Like other holometabolous insects, mealworms undergo a complete metamorphosis with larval, pupal and adult stages.
When a mealworm is ready to enter the pupal stage, it sheds its skin for the final time. It is left with a soft, dormant form called a pupa. Inside the pupa, the mealworm’s body undergoes changes and emerges as a fully formed adult beetle.
Related. Why Mealworms Die
How Often Do Mealworms Shed Skin?
Mealworms shed skin every time they molt. How often this happens depends on factors such as temperature, nutrition and health. In general, mealworms can shed skin up to 20 times.
Younger mealworms molt more often than older ones. During their larval stage, mealworms can molt as much as two dozen times. As they approach adulthood and enter the pupal stage, molting slows down. A mealworm molts one last time before going through the pupa stage.
The molting process is triggered by hormones within the mealworm’s body. Just before molting, the larva eats voraciously to increase its size and weight. The hormonal signals trigger the formation of a new, soft exoskeleton underneath the existing one. The mealworm then secretes enzymes that dissolve the old exoskeleton. This allows the
Once molting begins, a mealworm becomes more active and appears restless. Ita body may shrink and appear more wrinkled. Its color may darken too. This change lasts for a few hours to a couple of days depending on the conditions and its health.
After molting ends, the mealworm emerges with a soft, new exoskeleton. At this stage, the mealworm is known as a pupa or chrysalis. Gradually, the new exoskeleton hardens. The pupa undergoes changes within its protective casing, eventually turning into an adult darkling beetle.
What Can You Do with Shed Mealworm Skin?
Discarded mealworm skin is known as exuviae. You can throw it along with the thrash, but it can be used in different ways. Here are just some of the things you can do with exuviae.
Research and Education
Shed mealworm skins are commonly used in research centers and educational institutions because they provide a valuable resource for studying the growth and development of mealworms. Researchers often analyze these skins to understand the molting process and various aspects of insect physiology. Educators might use them to demonstrate insect life cycles in classrooms. You can ask the local schools and research centers if they are interested.
Art and Craft
Mealworm skins have a unique texture and shape, which lends them well to arts and craft projects. Some artists might incorporate them into sculptures, jewelry or mixed media artworks. Enthusiasts may also us them in collages, assemblages, or even as natural accents in resin crafts.
Pet Food
Mealworms are popular as a source of nutrition for pets, particularly reptiles, birds and fish. Shed mealworm skins are included in some commercial pet food formulations too. Mealworm skin is rich in chitin, contains dietary fiber and other nutrients. Feeding them to animals can improve their health and boost their nutrient intake.
Composting and Soil Amendment
Because shed mealworm skins are made of chitin, they contain slow-release nitrogen and carbon. When added to compost or used as a soil amendment, it enhances soil structure and nutrient content. Their decomposition creates a favorable environment for beneficial microorganisms and earthworms which soil needs.
Cosmetics and Skincare
This might sound strange but it is true. The chitin in mealworm skin has moisturizing and protective properties. Some skincare and cosmetic companies actually use chitosan, a derivative of chitin, in their products.
Chitin may help retain skin moisture, promote wound healing and provide a protective barrier. Commercial mealworm farms end up with a ton of shed mealworm skin which they can sell to cosmetic companies.
While shed mealworm skins might not have an extensive list of uses, they still find practical applications in various fields. Whether it is scientific research, art, pet nutrition, agriculture or the beauty industry, they can be used. So yes, you may want to think twice about just throwing them out in the thrash.
Is Shed Mealworm Skin Edible?
It is common knowledge that mealworms are near the bottom of the food chain. The question is though, is shed mealworm skin edible? Is it safe to feed them to animals? Are they safe for human consumption?
If mealworms are safe for humans and animals to eat, surely their skin is too right? First let’s take a look at what the skin contains and if it is healthy or not.
The biggest reason to eat discarded mealworm skin is that it is rich in nutrients, particularly carbohydrates. The chitin in mealworm skin also acts as a prebiotic, and stimulates the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria.
Mealworm skin is also good for digestion and may even have immune-boosting properties. Research also suggests that chitin may reduce cholesterol levels and promote overall cardiovascular health.
With all these benefits, it is not surprising why they are often included in animal feeds. Since mealworm are also safe for humans, we should be able to eat their shed skin too.
Safety Concerns
Before you add shed mealworm skin to your meals, I need to emphasize a few points. While the exuviae (skin) is not harmful, they can potentially harbor bacteria or microbial contaminants. As I pointed out earlier, mealworms shed waste and parasites along with the skin.
Before any mealworm skin is consumed, it should be heat treated or freeze dried. This will remove any possible pathogens remaining on it.
Related. Do Mealworms Carry Bacteria?
Finally, there is the matter of taste. Even if the skin is clean and safe, some people may simply not like it. Shed mealworm skin has a crunchy texture, almost flaky. Most agree that it has a neutral taste so you can easily add flavors and seasonings for it.
What is the Consensus?
There is general agreement that live and dried mealworms are safe for animals and humans to eat. As long as they are properly processed and cleaned, there is no risk or side effects. Of course if you have allergies, consult your health provider first.
As far as discarded mealworm skin though, there doesn’t seem to be any consensus yet. There is research showing that it is potentially nutritious, but more studies are needed.
If you want to give the skins to animals, make sure that is thoroughly cooked and cleaned. Discard the skin if the mealworm that molted is sick or died. If the mealworm is healthy, the skin is likely safe. But I suggest freeze drying or heating just to be safe.
Conclusion
To summarize: mealworms shed their skin to accommodate growth, regenerate lost body parts, eliminate waste, and go through their life cycle. This natural process ensures their survival and allows them to adapt to their changing environment. It is fascinating to study actually.
