Mealworm | 常見農業害蟲資訊網

Mealwormsarethelarvalformofthemealwormbeetle,Tenebriomolitor,aspeciesofdarklingbeetle.Likeallholometabolicinsects,theygothroughfourlife​ ...

Species of darkling beetle, larval form

Mealworms are the larval form of the yellow mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor, a species of darkling beetle.

The yellow mealworm beetle prefers a warmer climate and higher humidity.[1] Male mealworms release a sex pheromone to attract females to mate.[2]

Tenebrio molitor has been used in biomedical research. Mealworms can be a dietary source for animals and humans.[3] They are also considered pests, especially to food storage.

Description

Like all holometabolic insects, T. molitor goes through four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Larvae typically measure about 2.5 centimetres (0.98 in) or more. Adults are generally 1.25 to 1.8 centimetres (0.49 to 0.71 in) in length. [1]

T. molitor is dark brown or black as an adult,[4] with larvae up to 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) long and adults up to 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) long.[5]

The yellow m...