Slide 1

MEALWORMS


Slide 2

WILD HABITAT
Mealworms live where they are surrounded by what they
eat - under rocks, logs, animal burrows and in stored
grains.


Slide 3

FOOD
• The larvae eat decaying leaves, sticks, grasses and
new plant growth. They also eat dead insects and
grains.
• They clean up after plants and animals. They can be
found anywhere where there are “leftovers”.


Slide 4

PREDATORS
Many predators eat mealworms including rodents, lizards,
beetles, spiders, and birds.


Slide 5

MEALWORMS CAN ALSO BE GROWN INSIDE


Slide 6

HUMAN HABITATS
Mealworms prefer a warm habitat.
They will eat grains and get their water from fruits and
vegetables such as potatoes and apples.

They do not like to live in direct sunlight.


Slide 7

FIRST STAGE

Mealworms begin as white eggs.


Slide 8

SECOND STAGE
The second stage begins when the eggs change into
larvae. The larvae look like worms.


Slide 9

PARTS OF A MEALWORM


Slide 10

LARVAE GROW
As the mealworms grow and shed their exoskeleton, they
will leave behind a paper-like skin that can be blown
away.


Slide 11

THIRD STAGE
The mealworm larva changes into a pupa. The pupa is
white or cream with a large head and a pointed tail.


Slide 12

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE NEXT STAGE WILL BE?


Slide 13

DID YOU KNOW?
• A female can lay up to 500 eggs at a single time.
• Mealworms are high in protein and low in fat and taste
like slivered almonds.

• You can buy mealworms at a pet store.
• Mealworms do not drink water.