Mehlwürmer Tin 100gr

Product Information "Mehlwürmer (live)"

Mehlwürmer (Tenebrio molitor) are the larvae of the flour beetle. They are a welcome change on the menu of any insectivorous reptile. However, due to their high fat content, they should only be fed in moderation. But because of the high fat content they are also great for feeding weak animals.

Mehlwürmer are available in the following packages:

Mehlwürmer in a can of 50 g and 100 g
Mehlwürmer loose in cartons of 500 g and 1 kg

Storage: Store in a cool and dry place at 9 °C.

Tip: To offer your fosterlings well-fed Mehlwürmer, you should first start feeding the Mehlwürmer with dry food (e.g. oat flakes or wheat bran) and fresh fruit and vegetables. We recommend organic carrots and organic apples. Only as much wet food should be given as is eaten within one day to prevent mold and infestation with (fruit) flies. To optimize the mineral and nutrient supply of your pets, the Mehlwürmer should be dusted with an appropriate preparation before feeding.



The mealworm (Tenebrio molitor)

Strictly speaking, the mealworm is not a worm at all, but a larva. It is the larva of the flour beetle, which belongs to the family of black beetles (Tenebrionidae). Like many other insects, it is a hygienic pest both as a beetle and as a larva.

The beetles are quite small compared to other beetles and measure about 10-17 mm. They are completely black in color and have an elongated body structure. Immediately after hatching, however, they are white in color and turn to black as the chitinous carapace hardens. The Mehlwürmer can grow 2-3 cm long and are yellow-brown in color.

MehlwürmerThe flour beetles, and the flour beetles that hatch from them, are widespread worldwide as crop followers and are feared on all sides as a hygiene pest. They infest cereal products and make them inedible. They prefer dark and warm places, as these are the best places for them to reproduce. The flour beetles lay their eggs in the substrate, from which the small larvae, i.e. the Mehlwürmer, hatch after a few weeks. These miniMehlwürmer measure just 2mm. However, since the voracious Mehlwürmer consume large amounts of grain products, they grow rapidly. Once they are ripe for pupation they become more inactive and curl into a semicircle. After a few days, they molt into a pupa, which in turn hatches into the beetle. Mehlwürmer, like flour beetles, are nocturnal. They spend the day hidden in the substrate or dark crevices.

Living Mehlwürmer as feeding insects

Mehlwürmer make a good variety as a food insect on your animal's menu, but should by no means be used as a main food. Their high fat content makes the animals quickly become fat, which causes exactly the opposite of what you actually want: to do something good for your animals. However, they are excellent for feeding weakened animals or as an "energy boost" for pregnant females. They provide the animals with important amino acids, as well as fat, which serves as an energy source for the animals. Most of the chitinous shell is excreted, as it is not digestible. However, when ingested, the Mehlwürmer are crushed in such a way that the body can extract all the important nutrients from inside the mealworm. Better digestible are freshly skinned Mehlwürmer, which can be recognized by their white coloration. These can be fed to the animals very well with a pair of tweezers. This way you know exactly how much has been eaten and at the same time make sure that only the freshly skinned Mehlwürmer are eaten. Generally, however, the Mehlwürmer will be eaten at any stage. Before feeding, the Mehlwürmer should be given a high-quality diet so that your animals passively ingest the intestinal contents of the Mehlwürmer and benefit from the vitamins and minerals contained therein. Fresh carrots and apples are particularly suitable for this purpose, as they provide the Mehlwürmer with many important vitamins and fluids. However, only as much fresh food should be given as is eaten within 1-2 days. Excess fresh feed can ferment and lead to mold growth. In addition, wheat bran and oat flakes should be given. Special ready-made foods can also be used, such as Bug Burger from Repashy Superfoods. Shortly before feeding, the Mehlwürmer should then be dusted with an appropriate vitamin or calcium powder and offered in a bowl. This is because escaped Mehlwürmer sooner or later burrow into the substrate or hide elsewhere. If a mealworm should have escaped in your home, it usually dries up and does not represent a pest potential.

Live Mehlwürmer as fishing bait

For many an angler, live Mehlwürmer are a popular live bait. Mealworms can be used to catch a variety of fish, including carp, trout, bream and rudd. However, they are primarily used for trout pond fishing. There they are appreciated for their longevity and agility on the hook, which certainly brings one or the other catch. The Mehlwürmer can be offered by float mounting or with lead on the bottom of the water. When trolling with sbirolinos, they also do not flap and remain catchy. Mehlwürmer are simply a top natural bait that should not be missing on your next fishing trip.