View Full Version : Mealworms
ChilDawg
04-21-2003, 6:00 PM
I always thought that mealworms withstood fridge time and that was, in fact, desirable as they wouldn't pupate/metamorphose during their time in the fridge but still stay alive.
However, I have had a batch die in my fridge. Is this "common knowledge" wrong?
If it isn't, does anyone have data on Timberline Superworms from Marion, Illinois? Are they not mealworms?
Lots of questions, so thanks in advance for any answers.
~Matthew
My uncle had some meal worms they didnt have him stick them in the fridge. Granted he forgot about them and found them later in the containe under some papers and when he opened it they were beatles. But besides that they looked pretty healthy and didnt die.
Mealworm Life stages
http://www.arandaps.act.edu.au/environment/activity/humus/beasties/mealworm.gif
http://www.agr.nagoya-u.ac.jp/~biomodel/hp/others/mealworm.jpg
Superworm
http://www.petlibrary.com/graphics/superworm1.jpg
Superworm Beetle
http://www.wormman.com/Copy_of_superworm_beetle.jpg
Firsttanks
04-21-2003, 8:21 PM
Hey Chili, do puffers like those mealworms? I'm sure my little guys must be getting bored with bloodworms & brineshrimp all the time.
ChilDawg
04-21-2003, 8:24 PM
I would assume that they'd like them. I think that they might be too big at first, so you may need to cut them up.
I'm actually feeding them to my Nepenthes ventricosa, a tropical pitcher plant, but I think that, if kept alive, your puffs would enjoy them.
ScottoMacD
04-21-2003, 8:25 PM
ChilDawg :
My understanding of meal worms is that it isn't necessary to place them in the fridge.
They do however have to be place in a cool, damp, darker area to thrive. IE: a cellar or basement.
Your fridge or any fridge for that matter has huge temperature swings. If you think about it. Open the door, Temp changes. The way fridges work now a days they adjust the cold for the humidity, and dryness automatically. So as the temp in the house changes throughout the day so does the temp in the fridge.
You might be better off trying the darkest coolest spot in the basement or concrete garage where it will stay cool without all the swings.
ChilDawg
04-21-2003, 8:28 PM
That makes really good sense, Scott! Thanks for that...next batch here will have to go in the fridge per roomie's request, but, so I don't have to shake some pitchers to lower pH at home, I will put the mealworms in the basement (and hope that the cats don't wanna play with them).
I thank you very much for the info.~Matthew
Firsttanks
04-21-2003, 8:40 PM
Thks Chili...I may try them.
Were my pics helpful at least what am I chopped liver.
ChilDawg
04-21-2003, 9:26 PM
My roommate says that they were and that he never wants to see the beetles leave the fridge...so it didn't help my case any, darn it! :D
You could have lied to make me feel better thats it got to go mess up another fish forum now.
tamara323
04-22-2003, 11:32 AM
I've got a mealworm colony in my closet, lol...mainly for my geckos, but my birds and fish eat them too. Having a colony is helpful because I can feed whatever sized mealworms that suit the mouth I'm feeding at the time, so no chopping up ooey gooey squirmy mealies, lol ;)
tamara323
04-22-2003, 12:18 PM
Oh, and according to this company/website: http://www.sunshinemealworms.com/ mealworms do fine in the fridge for months, but it will kill them if they are superworms. Superworms shells are a lot darker colored, they're more active and are obviously bigger.
ChilDawg
04-22-2003, 12:27 PM
That's just what I needed to know about the Superworms! Thanks, Tamara!
Well be more specific next time childawg ask next time if they both require to be in the fridge or what. Then we be like oh he need to know how to store them then we look up info give it to you we get a pat on the back and get to be happy for being successful.
tamara323
04-22-2003, 2:13 PM
No problem ChilDawg :)
And GER, he was actually quite specific:
Originally posted by ChilDawg
However, I have had a batch die in my fridge. Is this "common knowledge" wrong?
If it isn't, does anyone have data on Timberline Superworms from Marion, Illinois? Are they not mealworms?
But even if those pics weren't what Chil was looking for, they probably have/will help someone else :)