Mealworms

Definition

The larval stage of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae), especially Tenebrio molitor (yellow mealworm) and Tenebrio obscurus (dark mealworm), characterized by a cylindrical, segmented body with a hardened cuticle and three pairs of thoracic legs. These detritivorous larvae are widely used as live food for captive reptiles, birds, and fish; as model organisms in developmental biology and toxicology; and increasingly as a sustainable protein source for human and animal consumption.

Etymology

From "meal" (referring to their diet of grain products and flour) + "worm" (vernacular for larva)

Example

Researchers rearing Tenebrio molitor in controlled environments adjust temperature and humidity to synchronize larval development for studies on insect metamorphosis or for commercial production of mealworm protein.

Synonyms

• tenebrio larvae

Related Terms

• Tenebrionidae
• darkling beetle
• holometabolism
• instar
• Frass
• insect farming
• Entomophagy

Usage Notes

In commercial and hobby contexts, "mealworms" most often refers specifically to Tenebrio molitor larvae; Zophobas morio larvae are distinguished as "superworms" due to their larger size and different care requirements. The term is sometimes applied loosely to larvae of other stored-product beetles (e.g., Alphitobius diaperinus, the lesser mealworm), though specialists prefer precise species identification. Not true worms (annelids); the name reflects vernacular usage for any elongate, legless or short-legged larva.