Imagine if you just started a mealworm farm and after a few weeks, you notice some mealworms don’t move much. Others completely stop moving. Are they dead? Is your farm ruined? There are many reasons why this may happen so let’s go over each one.
Mealworms that curl and stop moving are going into the pupation stage. Other reasons why mealworms may remain still are diseases, dehydration or lack of nutrition.
There’s no need to panic if some of your mealworms suddenly become still. While health issues are possible, there are other possible causes that we should look into.
Pupation
Mealworms go through different stages of their lifecycle, starting as eggs, hatching into larvae (mealworms), then pupating and finally emerging as darkling beetles. Depending on the stage they are in, their activity levels may vary. For instance, during the pupation stage, they typically remain still while undergoing metamorphosis.
Related. How to Care for Mealworm Pupa
Temperature
Mealworms are ectothermic creatures, meaning their body temperature is dependent on the environment. If the temperature is too low, they may become sluggish or even go into a state of hibernation. Ensure that the environment is within the suitable temperature range for mealworms, which is typically around 70-80°F (21-27°C).
Moisture
Mealworms require a certain level of moisture to remain active and healthy. If the bedding or substrate they are kept in is too dry, they may become dehydrated and less active. On the other hand, excessive moisture can lead to respiratory problems, mold, or bacterial growth. It is important to strike a balance in providing a moist but not overly damp environment.
Stress
Mealworms are sensitive creatures and can be easily stressed by certain factors. These can include overcrowding, loud noises, sudden movements, or any other disturbances. If they feel threatened or stressed, they may freeze in place to avoid detection or potential danger.
Illness or Injury
If your mealworms are not moving and show signs of illness or injury, such as discoloration, abnormal behavior, or an unusual smell, they may be sick. Illnesses like infections, parasites, or other diseases can cause mealworms to become less active or stop moving altogether.
If your mealworms are not molting but still refuse to move, they could be sick. Remove the unmoving mealworms to prevent any possible disease from infecting the rest. Do not feed these sick mealworms to your pets or even to squirrels. LNK
Why Mealworms Curl Up
One of the things you may notice is that mealworms may suddenly curl into a C shape. Usually this is nothing to worry about as I will explain here. But we should also consider other possibilities.
Molting
Mealworms go through a process called molting, where they shed their exoskeleton as they grow. During this stage, mealworms may become inactive, appear curled up, and off-white in color.
Molting is a natural process where the mealworm is vulnerable, so they often curl up to protect themselves until their new exoskeleton hardens. Ensure that your mealworms have a suitable substrate for burrowing and provide them with adequate moisture and nutrition to facilitate successful molting.
Environmental Conditions
Mealworms are particularly sensitive to their environment. If the temperature is too cold, they might curl up as a protective response. Ensure that the temperature remains within the recommended range of 75-85°F (24-29°C) for the optimal health of your mealworms.
Similarly, if the humidity levels are too high or too low, it can stress the mealworms, causing them to curl up. Maintaining a moderate humidity level of around 60-70% can help prevent this issue.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Mealworms need a balanced diet to thrive. Ensure that you are feeding them a suitable diet, which typically includes a mix of grains, vegetables, and fruits. A lack of proper nutrition can weaken the mealworms, making them vulnerable to health issues and curling up.
Consider supplementing their diet with quality commercial food or offering additional sources of nutrition to ensure they receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Parasites or Infections
Occasionally, mealworms can suffer from infections or parasitic infestations, which can lead to curling up. If you notice any signs of unusual discoloration, discharge, or significant decline in the overall health of your mealworm colony, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian or an expert in entomology for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Remember that identifying the exact reason why your mealworms are curled up may require detailed observation and analysis of their habitat and behaviors. Make sure to provide the appropriate care, maintain suitable environmental conditions, and monitor their overall health to promote the well-being of your mealworms.
How to Wake Up Mealworms
If your mealworms are not moving because they’re asleep, it is easy to wake them up. Waking up mealworms is a simple and straightforward process. By following these steps, you can ensure that your mealworms are active and ready for nutrition or any other purpose.
- Choose the right time: Mealworms are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active during the night. It’s best to wake them up during their natural active period, which typically begins around dusk or when your room becomes dark.
- Prepare the container: Mealworms are commonly kept in containers like plastic or glass tubs with a secure lid to prevent their escape. Ensure your container is clean and free from any harmful substances that could harm the mealworms.
- Provide a suitable environment: Mealworms prefer a warm and dark environment, which replicates their natural surroundings. Keep the container in a room with a stable temperature between 70-80°F (21-27°C) to help facilitate their activity.
- Gently disturb the substrate: Mealworms often burrow into their substrate, which can make it challenging to wake them up. Using a clean utensil like a spoon or your fingers, gently break up the layers of substrate to disturb them slightly. Do not forcefully dig or disturb the mealworms themselves, as it may cause stress or injury.
- Add food and moisture: Mealworms’ waking up process can be accelerated by providing them with food and moisture. Add fresh fruits or vegetables, such as carrots, apples, or potatoes, to their container. You can also include a small water source, like a moistened paper towel or a small dish of water. Avoid using overly moist or moldy food, as it may harm the mealworms.
- Wait patiently: After disturbing the substrate and providing food and moisture, close the container securely and place it back in the warm and dark environment. Allow the mealworms to naturally wake up and become active. This process usually takes a few hours, but it may vary depending on factors like temperature and the individual mealworms.
Remember to regularly change the food and remove any uneaten or spoiled items from the container to maintain cleanliness and prevent mold or infestations.
By following these steps, you can successfully wake up your mealworms and ensure that they have a healthy and active life.
Signs Mealworms are Dying
Understanding the signs that mealworms exhibit when they are dying can be crucial in providing appropriate care or taking necessary action. Here are some common signs to look for:
- Sluggish Movement: A noticeable decrease in activity is one of the first signs that a mealworm may be dying. If you observe the insects moving slower than usual, struggling to crawl, or appearing weak, it could indicate a decline in their health.
- Lack of Response: Mealworms typically respond to stimuli, such as touch or light, by showing signs of activity or attempting to move away. When mealworms are dying, they may lose their ability to respond to these stimuli, appearing unresponsive or lifeless.
- Changes in Appearance: Another sign of mealworms nearing death is a change in appearance. They may become discolored, turning darker or even black in some cases. Additionally, their exoskeleton may become noticeably thinner or wrinkled, indicating dehydration or malnourishment.
- Lack of Appetite: Mealworms typically exhibit a ravenous appetite, consuming a variety of food items. However, when they are nearing the end of their lifespan, their appetite often decreases significantly. They may refuse to eat or show disinterest in their usual food sources.
- Pungent Odor: In some cases, a dying mealworm may emit a foul odor. This smell can be a result of bacteria or fungus growing on the organism due to weakened immune systems or poor living conditions.
- Unusual Posture: Mealworms on the verge of dying may exhibit unusual postures. They may curl their bodies or lay on their sides instead of standing straight like healthy mealworms.
It is important to note that while these signs may indicate that a mealworm is dying, they may not be definitive proof of impending death. Some of these symptoms could also be attributed to environmental factors, disease, or stress.
Therefore, if you are unsure of a mealworm’s health status or want to confirm their potential decline, it is best to consult an expert or veterinarian specializing in mealworm care. They can provide accurate guidance on how to best handle the situation and ensure the well-being of the insects.
Conclusion
To ensure the well-being and activity of your mealworms, it is important to create a suitable environment that meets their temperature and moisture requirements. Additionally, avoid stressing them unnecessarily and monitor for any signs of illness or injury.
