25 | 100 | 500 grams of Tenebrio molitor
Technical Sheet: Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor)
Classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Family: Tenebrionidae
- Genus: Tenebrio
- Species: Tenebrio molitor
Description:
- Length: 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters.
- Color: Dark brown.
- Morphology: Body divided into head, thorax, and abdomen. Possesses six legs, antennas, and developed mandibles.
Life Cycle:
- Egg: The cycle begins with the female laying eggs.
- Larva: The larva, commonly known as the mealworm, is the most active growth phase and feeds on protein-rich materials.
- Pupa: The larva transforms into a pupa, where metamorphosis occurs.
- Adult: The pupa develops into an adult beetle.
Habitat:
- Mealworms are adaptive and are found in dark and warm environments, such as warehouses, barns, and food storage areas.
Feeding:
- The larval phase feeds on protein-rich materials, such as flour, grains, and other organic products. Adults primarily consume fibrous foods.
Economic Importance:
- Used as food for exotic animals, reptiles, birds, and fish due to their high protein content and nutritional value.
Environmental Benefits:
- Decompose organic materials, contributing to the decomposition and recycling process in nature.
