If you do any research on mealworm farming, one of the first things you will discover is they like wet locations. There are a lot of good reasons why this is so and it’s vital we understand why as it affects their health. If you plan to raise a lot of mealworms, knowing what habitats they prefer is a must.
Mealworms thrive in wet habitats because their bodies require moisture and hydration. Their skin is capable of absorbing the moisture in their environment to keep them from drying out.
Reasons Mealworms Like It Wet
I want to point out first that mealworms prefer a wet, not drenched habitat. Too much water and moisture can lead to mold or fungus growth. Too dry and it’s not good either so it has to be the right balance.
All right now let’s look at the reasons why wet habitats are ideal for them. No surprise, but a lot of it has to do with their biological makeup and behavior.
Hydration and Temperature Regulation
One of the reasons why mealworms prefer a wet environment is their need for hydration. While mealworms are not aquatic, they require a certain level of moisture to maintain their health. Mealworms lack a protective exoskeleton that can prevent water loss and they are susceptible to desiccation, particularly in dry conditions.
In wet environments, mealworms can absorb moisture through their skin. This allows them to stay hydrated even if they don’t drink water.
This not only helps prevent dehydration but also plays a crucial role in regulating their temperature. Water conducts heat more effectively than air, so a moist environment allows mealworms to maintain a stable body temperature. This is necessary for their metabolism to function properly.
Related. Why Mealworms Like the Dark
Food Source Availability
Damp environments are often rich in decaying organic matter, dead bugs and decomposed plants. These are the primary food sources of mealworms so it is not surprising they are drawn to these places.
The moisture in such places also promotes growth of fungi and bacteria. Their growth speeds up the decomposition process and provides mealworms with constant food.
In other words, mealworms prefer wet locations because of food and water. It comes down to their need to survive, and these places provides them with the nourishment they need.
Of course mealworms raised in farms are regularly fed. But that doesn’t change their natural instinct to want to scavenge. This is why we provide bedding for them to burrow and feed on. This also doesn’t alter their need for moisture.
Breeding and Reproduction
Mealworms reproduce through a process known as metamorphosis, transitioning through several life stages before emerging as adult beetles. Their life cycle from egg to adult is influenced by environmental factors including temperature and humidity. A wet environment is conducive for laying eggs and pupation.
First, moisture provides an ideal medium for the female to lay her eggs. Second, a high humidity level aids mealworms in the pupation stage where they will eventually turn into beetles. Chances of success are lower in dry environments which is why by instinct, mealworms look for wet locations when laying eggs or entering the pupation phase.
Protection from Predators
Moist habitats often have more hiding spots and protective cover. Leaf litter, rotting wood and crevices in damp soil can protect mealworms from predators. And I can tell you there are a lot of animals that prey on them including birds, reptiles and other insects.
Aside from hiding places, some animals aren’t well adapted to moist environments and will avoid them. This is all the more reason for mealworms to want to remain there.
Even if you protect your mealworms from predators, they still have a natural instinct to hide in damp, dark places. It is a natural genetic trait and all mealworms behave that way regardless of ow safe the place is.
Why It Matters
For mealworm farmers, knowing why they prefer a particular environment is crucial. If you can set up a habitat to their liking, your mealworms will be healthy and breed. If not, the mealworms will try to escape which can be problematic.
Mealworms’ preference for a wet environment has also made them valuable subjects for scientific research. I am referring in particular to fields like entomology and ecology. Scientists are using mealworms as model organisms to study various aspects of biology and behavior.
Their need for moisture allows researchers to manipulate and control environmental conditions to investigate the effects of humidity on their development, behavior and physiology. Understanding how mealworms respond to moisture levels has broader implications for our understanding of insect ecology. For mealworm farmers, it is also necessary from a business standpoint.
Practical Applications
Mealworms are commonly used in educational institutions to teach students about insect life cycles, ecology, and environmental science. Their preference for a wet environment provides an excellent opportunity for hands-on learning.
Students for example, can observe and experiment with mealworms in different moisture conditions. This can help them gain a deeper understanding of the insects’ biology and environmental requirements.
Mealworms’ preference for moisture can also be used in various applications. They are increasingly recognized as a sustainable and nutritious food source for both humans and animals.
Mealworms are rich in protein, fiber and healthy fats, and farmers can optimize their growth by maintaining appropriate moisture levels. I am not surprised that mealworm farming has gained popularity as a sustainable and eco-friendly food production method/ This can take pressure off traditional livestock and it is also good for the environment.
Understanding the environmental preferences of mealworms can also be useful in pest management. In some cases, mealworms can become pests when they infest stored grain or other crops. By manipulating the moisture levels in storage facilities, it may be possible to discourage or limit mealworm infestations and reduce damage.
Effects of Dry Environment on Mealworms
We have been focusing on the benefits of wet habitats for mealworms for much of this article. Now I want to explain how a dry environment affects mealworms.
Desiccation: Mealworms are susceptible to desiccation, or the loss of water from their body. Moisture evaporates quickly in a dry environment and the air becomes devoid of humidity. Mealworms can quickly dehydrate under these conditions. Their body tissues shrink and mealworms become smaller when they lack water.
As their body moisture drops, mealworms become less active. Their mobility is affected and they become sluggish. They may spend most of their time curled up or stationary to conserve energy.
Reduced appetite: Mealworms require moisture to digest food. When placed in a dry environment for prolonged periods, their digestive system becomes less efficient due to lack of moisture. As a result, their feeding activity decreases. It eventually reaches the point when the mealworms will no longer be able to eat.
Problem with molting: Mealworms go through a process called molting, shedding their exoskeleton as they grow larger. Lack of moisture prevents the soft new exoskeleton from hardening, leaving them susceptible to injuries or infections.
Diapause: Mealworms have some survival strategies to cope with lack of water and moisture. They can enter a state of dormancy known as diapause, which allows them to tolerate extreme conditions. During diapause, their metabolism slows down and they can survive for several months without food or water. While in this state, they are extremely resilient to desiccation.
Death: If mealworms are continuously exposed to a dry environment without any relief, their chances of survival decrease significantly. Eventually they will succumb to dehydration and die. Their body shrivels up, becoming much smaller than their original size. There are other reasons too why mealworms die.
Conclusion
Mealworms’ preference for a wet environment comes down to their need for hydration, temperature regulation, food source availability, and protection from predators. This has implications not just for mealworm farmers like us but also scientific research, education, bioresource utilization, and pest management. By knowing the reasons why mealworms thrive in wet conditions, you’ll have a greater chance of breeding them successfully.
