Detailed Explanation of Mealworm Breeding Technology: Easily Master the Key Points of Breeding

The mealworm is also called the bread worm. In insect taxonomy, it belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Tenebrionidae, genus Tenebrio (the mealworm genus). It originated in North America and was introduced to China from the Soviet Union in the 1950s for breeding. Dried mealworms contain 30% fat and more than 50% protein, and also contain major elements such as phosphorus, potassium, iron, sodium, and aluminum, as well as various trace elements. Because dried mealworm larvae contain about 40% protein, pupae contain 57%, and adults contain 60%, it is known as a “treasure house of protein feed”. Let us take a look below at the techniques for breeding mealworms.

First, after obtaining the insect stock, carefully select individuals that are large, uniform, vigorous, and bright in color, and raise them in a dedicated basin. A container of ordinary washbasin size can raise 0.3-0.6 kg of larvae. Put feed such as wheat bran and cornmeal into the basin, and at the same time put in the larval stock. The feed should be 10-20% of the insect weight. After 3-5 days, when the insects have finished eating the feed, sift out the insect feces with a 60-mesh sieve. Continue feeding the feed. Appropriately add some water-containing feed such as vegetables and melon and fruit peels.

Second, when the larvae pupate, promptly pick out the pupae and store them separately. After 8-15 days, the pupae emerge and become adults. Lay a sheet of newspaper on the bottom of a basin or box, then spread a layer of fine feed about 1 cm thick on the paper, and place the newly emerged adults on the feed. At 25°C, adults begin mating and laying eggs about 6 days after emergence. Mealworms are gregarious insects, and mating and egg laying require a certain population density, with 1500-3000 insects per sq m of insect box. During the egg-laying period, adults should be fed better concentrated feed. In addition to mixed feed plus multivitamins, also add an appropriate amount of water-containing feed, such as vegetable leaves and melon and fruit peels.

Third, when adults lay eggs, they extend the ovipositor below the feed and lay the eggs on the paper. After 3-5 days, the egg paper is covered with eggs, and new egg paper should be replaced. Collect the removed egg paper together, place it in a basin according to the same date, and wait for it to hatch. At a temperature of 24-34°C, it can hatch in 6-9 days. Newly hatched larvae are very soft, so try not to touch them with your hands to avoid injuring them.

Finally, place the hatched larvae together for rearing. After 15-20 days, when the feed in the basin is basically finished, you can sift out the insect feces for the first time. Use a 60-mesh screen to sift the insect feces. Afterward, sift out the insect feces once every 3-5 days, and at the same time feed once. The amount of feed put in should be based on what can be finished in 3-5 days.