What is a super worm?
Zophobas morio is a species of darkling beetle, whose larvae are known by the common name Superworms, King Worms, Morio Worms or simply Zophobas. Superworms are common in the reptile pet industry as food, not to be confused with giant mealworms, which are Tenebrio molitor larvae sprayed with juvenile hormone.
What causes superworms to pupate?
Super worms are cannibalistic. Because of this, when super worms are in a communal setting, they will not morph into a pupa. Superworms turn into pupa and then pupa turn into darkling beetles which then reproduce and lay eggs which hatch into superworms, starting the entire process over again.
What is a superworms life cycle?
The superworm life cycle consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Superworms can spend a large portion of their lives in the larval stage. They will not pupate if they are in contact with too many other larvae, so superworms should be separated from one another if you’d like them to develop into beetles.
Where do super worms live?
South America
Superworms are native to Central and South America. Superworm larvae spend a lot of time eating decaying vegetation, leaves and tree bark. When they are ready to pupate, they do so in the soil.
Do superworms bite hurt?
Yes, superworms are known to bite. Larger ones can pinch human skin (which is said to be startling, but not terribly painful), and they can bruise or potentially draw blood from reptiles with thin skin. It’s best to be careful when feeding superworms to small or young reptiles.
Why are my superworms dying?
What causes superworms to die? Common causes of die-off include excess moisture, heat, and extreme cold. Moisture. If there are too many worms in a bin and not enough ventilation, you may see condensation along the walls of your container or see signs of mold in the substrate.
How long will superworms last?
Also known as superworms. If allowed to remain with other superworms, they will live for six months to a year.
How do you keep super worms alive?
Caring for Superworms: Superworms are relatively easy to keep, just keep them at room temperature. Place slices of potato on the top for water. As said before, Do NOT refrigerate the superworms. Unlike other feeder insects, refrigerating superworms does not cause a hibernation.
Where do super worms come from?
Superworms are native to Central and South America. Superworm larvae spend a lot of time eating decaying vegetation, leaves and tree bark. When they are ready to pupate, they do so in the soil.
What happens to the pupa of a superworm?
While in the soil, the superworm pupa grows antennae, wings, legs and a fully functioning reproductive system. It emerges from the soil as a new darkling beetle, although it will still feed on the same things it did as a larva.
What are the stages of life of a superworm?
Superworms have 4 stages of life: egg, larva, pupae and beetle. The beetles are the only ones that reproduce. Breeding superworms is very similar to that of mealworms but with one difference. They will need to be separated individually so they can pupate.
What’s the difference between a superworm and a mealworm?
Let me explain… What’s the difference between a Superworm and Mealworm?Superworms are typically five times bigger than Mealworms. They can last as Larvae (which is the state most Lizard keepers favor) longer, but Mealworms have the added benefit of being able to be refrigerated for storage.
How often do superworms molt in a colony?
Interestingly, superworms will develop into their pupal stage if isolated, but they will remain in the larval stage longer if kept in a colony with other superworms (up to a whole year!). They will molt up to 20 times before transitioning into their larval stage.