what are mealworms

Mealworms are the larval form of the yellow mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor, a species of darkling beetle. They are elongate and cylindrical, hard-bodied, and yellow to golden brown in color. Mealworms are generally considered pests because they feed on stored grains, but they are also useful for their high protein content and are typically used as a pet food for captive reptiles, fish, and birds. They are also provided to wild birds in bird feeders, particularly during the nesting season. Mealworms are part of the population of edible insects and are packed with nutrients, especially protein. They are often mistaken for ordinary worms, but they are actually darkling beetles in their larval form. Mealworms can be easily reared on fresh oats, wheat bran or grain, with sliced potato, carrots, or apple as a moisture source. They have a short breeding cycle, and the eggs are laid 4 to 17 days after mating. Mealworms can be cooked in various ways, such as pan-frying, salting, or dipping in sauce or chocolate. They can even be used as a substitute for nuts in cookies, protein bars, cakes, and other foods.