Tenebrio molitor

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:

1. Egg: The cycle begins with the female laying eggs.
2. Larva: The larva, commonly known as the mealworm, is the most active growth phase and feeds on protein-rich materials.
3. Pupa: The larva transforms into a pupa, where metamorphosis occurs.
4. 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.