Many people are confused with the standard mealworm or giant mealworm, Tenebrio Molitor larvae; Superworms are another variety of domesticated reptilian food sources. Honestly, it's not a worm at all! Superworms are the larval stage of a darkling beetle, Zophobas morio. They are also called by many names like King Worms, Morio Worms, or Zophobas.
A superworm is about 5x large than a mealworm when looking for perimeter and length, which is one of the main reasons it provides so broadly nutritional value for your pet. However, the ends of their bodies are very dark. They have six tiny legs. Most of the size difference arrives from a superworm having more chitin, their shell than mealworms. Because of that, they have less protein value, but a more increased concentration of calcium, fiber, and fat.
There is a lack of ability to refrigerate superworms to preserve them in a kind of hibernation until your pet requires them to eat. Superworms also own a stronger jaw for biting, and in the end, they can use to ward off predators that can give your pet an evil surprise. Most reptiles can discover fast to take them by the head to avoid getting pricked, or, before you put the superworms in their square, you can use tweezers to give the worm a little squeeze on the head to crash them out.
LIFE CYCLE OF SUPERWORMS
Superworms, from egg to adulthood, can survive for up to a year. It is one of the long lifespans among many insects of its variety. The life cycle of a superworm is known as a "complete metamorphosis," which means each of the four developmental phases is different from the one preceding or following it.
The four phases are- Egg, Larva, Pupa, and Adult. In their adult stage, superworms can reach an average of 1.5-2 inches in length and are quite thick.
WHAT DOES A SUPERWORM EAT?
A superworm eats a surprising number of things such as grain or oat products, many fresh fruits, vegetables, and rotten food. They eat whatever they can in the wild, including the remains of further animals, or even each other and other insect species.
Superworms are usually produced commercially to be used as a trick or food for domestic fish, birds, reptiles, and exotic pets. Superworms are a common alternate for mealworms but do not confuse them, as both species are different.
ARE SUPERWORMS NUTRITIOUS?
Superworms and mealworms are great healthy nutrition sources for birds, fishes, reptiles, exotic pets, amphibians, and small mammals. Superworms have high protein content, also contain vitamins, enzymes, hormones, and other nutritional benefits.
The protein content of superworms falls exactly in the center of what reptiles generally need, which means they could be an endless food source. Superworms also have the perfect amount of fat, which means they are a great option if you are looking for only fat and protein. However, fat and protein are not the only nutrients to consider.
The Superworms has the following nutritional value:
Protein Levels: 17.4%
Calcium Ratios: 10.8%
Fat Ratios: 16%
Fiber Ratios: 6.8%
WHAT ANIMALS EAT SUPERWORMS?
Superworms for Birds
Superworms are a favored snack for nearly all backyard birds. Birds like chickadees, titmice, sparrows, woodpeckers, robins, wrens, orioles, tanagers, warblers, blue jays and starlings are enjoying having superworms. They are eaten happily by almost any bird that consumes insects.
Superworms Good for Reptiles
Superworms are usually used as reptile feeders, but just the larvae. Superworm Beetles, instead of meals, are more regularly consumed in the wild. However, insectivorous and omnivorous reptiles appear attracted to superworms, and scuttling beetles seem to excite them more than a worm.
Superworms for Bearded Dragons
Superworms are among the most popular insects to feed bearded dragons. You can feed them 1–2 superworms once or twice a week. Yet, they should be eaten in restraint as a treat because they are heavy in fat. You can feed superworms to underweight dragons more often to help them acquire weight. Superworms should not be offered to young bearded dragons because their thick chitinous exterior can lead to impaction, a life-threatening issue.
Superworms for Leopard Geckos
Superworms are not a problem for leopard geckos to eat. Yet, due to their high-fat content, they should only be given as an occasional treat. If you feed your leopard gecko too many superworms, it will become obese, which might harm its health.
As superworms contain high fat and phosphorus, you should only feed these worms in small quantities.
Superworms for Hedgehogs
Superworms are safe to feed your hedgehog and are a crystallized form of essential nutrients. But superworms certainly can not change the normal diet of your hedgehog, as they are packed with nutrition and are a tasty, healthy treat. Superworms contain approximately the same protein content as mealworms and are higher in fiber and calcium, but are also higher in fat, so they should not be given too regularly.
Superworms for Tarantulas
Superworms have particularly more calcium than other feeders. But while compared with mealworms, the superworm has lower protein content. Unfortunately, most tarantula owners have seen that their spiders neglect superworms. If you’re going to give superworms to your tarantula, place them in a feeding dish where they will not be able to escape.
Superworms for Sugar Glider
Superworms are a fantastic addition to your sugar glider’s diet. They deliver good protein and fat that your sugar glider needs to live a healthy life. Keep in mind that the fat ratio to protein is high so you have to provide other sources of protein as well.
Conclusion
Partially due to their larger size, superworms are great alternatives to mealworms for feeding birds, reptiles, hedgehogs, bearded dragons, tarantulas, and other exotic pets as they offer more nutrition than many other popular feeder insects, including mealworms, crickets, and waxworms.
To learn more about mealworms and superworms, how to feed them to your pets, or where to purchase mealworms, get in touch with Pro-meal. We are the supplier of mealworms, both live and dried, available for purchase. Also, we can answer all your questions about storage, feeding, and nutrition.
Why Purchase From Pro-meal?
Fresh and Healthy Worms- Our mealworms both live and dried are packaged fresh and at the peak of their nutrition cycle. 100% grown and processed in India.
Organically Grown- We feed our worms strictly Organic Feeds including fruits and vegetables. This ensures that you will get all-natural chemical-free worms for your pets.
Reliable Supply- Imagine you feed your pets mealworms for a week and next week there's no supply! URGH! Our production ensures regular reliable supply.
Pathogen Free- We regularly test all our batches of worms for pathogens like salmonella, Ecolli, and bacteria. This Live Delivery ensures 100% safe feeding for your pets!
Note- If you order live, you should get the worms live. We guarantee Live delivery of worms. If you receive otherwise, you are entitled to a replacement/ refund.
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