The Mealworm Beetle (Tenebrio molitor) is a darkling beetle species. Mealworms are the larval form. They are a native species of Africa, but they have become naturalized in North America. The species is considered a pest as they infest stored grains or grain products. They will also consume rotting and decaying plants, and fresh fruits and vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, potatoes, oranges, and applies. Physically the Mealworm Beetle has a spherical shaped abdomen that forms a sharper tip at its end with a thinner thorax. They are dark brown or almost black in color.
The Mealworm Beetle has an overall body length between .49”-.71” (12.5-18 mm), body width of .16”-.24” (4-6 mm), and body height of .12”-.18” (3-4.5 mm). The typical lifespan of the Mealworm Beetle is between 3-5 months.
The Mealworm Beetle (Tenebrio molitor) is a darkling beetle species. Mealworms are the larval form. They are a native species of Africa, but they have become naturalized in North America. The species is considered a pest as they infest stored grains or grain products. They will also consume rotting and decaying plants, and fresh fruits and vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, potatoes, oranges, and applies. Physically the Mealworm Beetle has a spherical shaped abdomen that forms a sharper tip at its end with a thinner thorax. They are dark brown or almost black in color.
The Mealworm Beetle has an overall body length between .49”-.71” (12.5-18 mm), body width of .16”-.24” (4-6 mm), and body height of .12”-.18” (3-4.5 mm). The typical lifespan of the Mealworm Beetle is between 3-5 months.