Re: Mealworm keeping

"Gary G" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> On Sat, 29 Nov 2003 05:02:49 GMT, Suzie-Q <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> wrote:
>
>
> >>
> >> Good idea.  Thanks.  I will try that.
> >
> >I should have asked you if you know that mealworms can be
> >stored in the refrigerator. You can keep them in a container
> >with a couple of air holes. You have to put some food in with
> >them. Wheat germ, I think. It's been awhile since I had my
> >batch of mealworms and I've forgotten the instructions that
> >came with them.
> >
> >I also don't remember how long they'll live in there.
> >
> >8^)~~~        Sue       (remove the x to e-mail)
> >~~~~~~
>
> I buy them as 50-count in a plastic container with holes in the lid.
> The inside filler looks like oat flakes.  It is not like wheat germ.
> I add a little water once and awhile and do keep them in the fridge.
> They keep about two months, then turn black and hard--dead.
>
> Since I only have four widows and one tarantula, 50 worms go longer
> than the spiders can eat.  I'll give them to the birds.
>
> Gary Gaugler, Ph.D.
> Microtechnics, Inc.
> Granite Bay, CA 95746
> 916.791.8191
> [EMAIL PROTECTED] dot com

Of course you can go the route of raising them, but it's a little more
hassle than keeping the spiders.   I have occasionally raised them for quite
a few generations.  Place them in a container at room temperature and keep
them supplied with meal.  I've used cornmeal or other stuff like oats or
crushed wheat.  Then make sure they have some moisture-put in a slice of
potato or apple occasionally.  The larvae pupate and mature to beetles,
Tenebrio molitor or close relative, and the adults start another generation.
I currently keep several other wild caught species ofTenebrionids going this
way to feed lizards.  Trouble is keeping down the mold if you get it too
moist, or total dehydration if you live in a dry area and neglect the
moisture.  Depending on temperature, you will get a generation every couple
of months and a sustained population of all ages.

Just an idea.
Rick