Lesser Mealworm
Alphitobius diaperinus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Tenebrionoidea
- Family: Tenebrionidae
- Subfamily: Tenebrioninae
- Tribe: Alphitobiini
- Genus: Alphitobius
- Species: diaperinus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Alphitobius diaperinus: //ælˈfaɪtəˌbaɪəs ˌdaɪəˈpɛrɪnəs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Alphitobius diaperinus, commonly known as the lesser mealworm, is a cosmopolitan beetle that poses significant challenges as a pest in poultry farming and stored grain products. Its larvae are now approved as a novel food in the EU, contributing to its economic importance.
Physical Characteristics
The adult beetle is approximately 6 mm long, oval in shape, shiny black or brown with reddish brown elytra. The antennae are paler at the tips and covered in tiny yellowish hairs. The body surface has puncture-like impressions, and the elytra have shallow longitudinal grooves. Eggs are narrow, whitish or tan, around 1.5 mm long, and larvae can measure up to 11 mm long with a segmented appearance and three pairs of legs.
Identification Tips
Look for oval-shaped beetles that are shiny black or brown with reddish brown elytra. Larvae resemble those of other mealworms but are smaller, tapering, and typically start off whitish before darkening to yellow-brown.
Habitat
Thrives in warm, humid environments, including poultry houses, grain processing facilities, caves, rodent nests, and bird nests.
Distribution
Originally of tropical (likely Afrotropical) origin, now nearly cosmopolitan. Introduced to North America from Europe before 1910.
Diet
Feeds on damp and moldy flour, meal, grain products, as well as dead animals, litter, bird droppings, bat guano, and the larvae and eggs of other insects.
Life Cycle
Females can lay 200 to 400 eggs, up to 2000 in some cases. Larvae emerge within a week and mature in 40 to 100 days based on conditions. The life cycle includes several instars and pupation occurs in secure spots. Adult lifespan can be one to two years in captivity.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs every few days in suitable environments such as litter or grain stores. Larvae go through several instar stages before maturing.
Predators
Some protozoa and spider species are known to prey on the lesser mealworm.
Ecosystem Role
Acts as a decomposer by feeding on organic matter such as mold and waste, but also as a pest in poultry environments. It can interfere with other insect species within poultry housing.
Economic Impact
Significant pest in the poultry industry, causing damage to housing and feed, which can lead to increased costs for growers.
Cultural Significance
Larvae are used as animal feed, and the species has been approved as a novel food for human consumption in the European Union.
Health Concerns
Presence of benzoquinones can cause irritation and health issues in humans, such as asthma and contact dermatitis. Can also transmit pathogens to poultry.
Collecting Methods
- Trapping using baited traps in poultry environments
- Visual inspection in grain storage facilities
- Light traps to attract adults
Preservation Methods
- Freeze-drying for food products
- Refrigeration for short-term storage
- Dehydration for long-term preservation
Misconceptions
Often confused with other mealworms due to similar appearance.
Tags
- beetle
- pest
- agriculture
- animal feed
- edible insects