What Are Superworms?
Superworms are the larvae of the Zophobas Morio beetle, which is a species of darkling beetle. They are a common live feeder for insectivorous and omnivorous species of reptiles, amphibians, and more. They are popular due to being relatively inexpensive, easy to house, and easy to find. They are slightly high in fat compared to some other feeders, so for some species, they may be specified as a treat.
Nutritional Information for Superworms:
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Moisture 57.9%
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Protein 19.7%
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Fat 17.7%
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Ash 1.0%
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Fiber 2.7%
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Calcium 177mg/kg
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Phosphorous 2370mg/kg
Are Superworms the same as Mealworms?
No. Superworms are the larval stage of the Zophobas Morio beetle, mealworms are the larval stage of the Tenebrio Molitor beetle, so they are two different bugs. However, they are both species of darkling beetle. They look similar but have distinct differences, the superworm is generally larger than the mealworm and has dark brown bands toward the head and the tail, whereas the mealworms and lighter and more plain in color. Superworms are also more nutritious per insect and contain less chitin; mealworms are known for having more chitin making them more difficult to digest.
Why are some of my superworms white?
Superworms shed their outer shell as they grow. When they have freshly molted, they will appear a creamy white color and are very soft; many species prefer them like this as they are easier to digest. They will return to their normal color within a few hours.
Should I add supplements to superworms before feeding them to my pet?
If you have a supplement schedule for your pet and it is time for one of their supplement feedings, then yes. Usually, you can throw some superworms in a bag, add a pinch of the powder you need to add, and shake the bag up, which will evenly coat the superworms, then you can feed them to your pet as usual.
How old does my pet have to be to eat Superworms?
Superworms can generally be fed to any age animal, as long as they are a recommended feeder insect for them. You will need to make sure that you use the appropriate size for the age of your pet, for example, if you have a baby/juvenile, then you may need to use extra small/small superworms if you have an adult, then medium/large may be more suitable for your pet.
