LIFE CYCLE
The mealworm life cycle is broken up into several stages, each spanning over various amounts of time:
Stage 1
The first stage of a mealworm's life is an egg. The color of the egg is white. The egg generally measures to 2mm in length and 0.9mm in width.
- Incubation: 10-11 days at 20°C; 4-6 days at 30°C
Stage 2
The second stage of a mealworm's life is the larva stage. The mealworm tends to be at it’s longest during this stage. It can measure up to 2.5 cm in length. During this stage, it moves about by crawling and it also sheds its skin several times and this process is known as molting. They look bare when they molt and their old skin is noticeable by it’s scaly–like ridges. This process is sort of similar to a snake.
- The Worm--------->Larval period: 90-114 days (10-14 larval instars).
Stage 3
The third stage of a mealworm's life is the pupa stage. It is white in color. During this stage, the mealworm takes on the same characteristics as a butterfly-to-be in its cocoon. It does not move.
- The "Cocoon"----->Pupal period: 30 days at 15°C; 9 days at 25°C; 6 days at 35°C.
Stage 4
The fourth, and last stage of a mealworm's life is the adult stage. At this
phase, it is smaller in length, approximately 1.25 to 1.8 cm in length. As the
beetle grows older, it gets darker in color. This 'beetle stage' is the most
active stage in its life cycle. Be careful, they are quick and can bite!
- The Beetle--------->Adult Stage 5 - 10 days