Mealworms stay in the larvae phase for several months before any further transition. Adult darkling beetles can lay up to 500 eggs per clutch. These beetles can reproduce quite quickly once they reach maturity. It’s best not to disturb them at this stage, as they go into a less active period and become vulnerable to handling. Since mealworms rapidly develop, they shed their exoskeleton several times during the process.Īfter a few months, they begin to take on a shorter, softer appearance while switching to darkling beetle form. When you bring home your mealworms, you notice that they have six short legs upfront with long, tough exoskeletons.Īfter only 2 short weeks, these larvae worms begin to switch to the next phase of life. They still have quite a metamorphosis ahead.

When you get mealworms from a pet shop, they are in a larval phase of life. It’s cheaper and easier than you might suspect! If you’re looking to make a mini mealworm farm, let’s figure out how to create an excellent habitat for these larvae-and how to care for them as adult beetles, too. Since mealworms can be replenished so quickly, many people find it’s cheaper to breed them at home. It can get pretty pricey, mainly depending on how many critters you’re feeding. If you’re a reptile owner or enthusiast, you know the cost of replacing mealworms.

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