 Dr. Entomology Suggests:
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How to Make a Mealworm Experiment Container
Materials
1. Scissors
2. Masking tape
3. Mealworms
4. One container for each team or individual student
5. Equal numbers of black and clear cans
6. Black construction paper
To Make a Container
1. Remove the lids of the cans.
2. Cut squares of black construction paper larger than the can opening.
3. Place a mealworm in the clear container.
4. Place the black paper between the openings of the cans. Leave enough space for the mealworm to move to the other side.
5. Join the two cans together and secure the paper with tape. When taping, try not to cover up too much of the clear container.
Handling Mealworms
To pick up a mealworm, use a plastic spoon or a folded 3x5" card to scoop up. When holding mealworms, keep hands over the container or table to avoid dropping the mealworms on the floor.
Precautions
Do not leave the containers where the sun will hit them. The containers can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days if the mealworm is provided with a little bran. Keep in mind, adding the bran also adds a new variable to the experiment. After the experiment is completed, dismantle the containers and give the mealworms food.
Darkling Beetle/Mealworm Rearing
Rearing Habitat
* A clear plastic cup with a cover, or a margarine tub or deli container.
* 1/8" wheat bran or crushed wheat flakes in bottom of container.
* A crumpled piece of paper and a piece of apple or potato. Replace before it becomes moldy.
* Small air holes in the lid since a dry climate is important.
Food
Wheat bran, crushed wheat flakes, oatmeal and a piece of apple or potato.
Water
Mealworms do not need water. They will obtain all of the water they need from the piece of potato or apple.
Handling
To pick up a mealworm, use a plastic spoon or a folded 3"x5" card to scoop it up. To pick them up with your fingers, use your thumb and forefinger on either side of the worm and gently squeeze. Use a firm hold since they are very smooth and may squirm and wiggle the tip of their abdomen. When holding mealworms, keep your hand over the container or table to avoid dropping the mealworms on the floor.
Raising Young
Mealworms are very easy to rear in the classroom. The larvae grow to 25 mm before pupating. After pupating, the adults emerge in two to three weeks. In seven to ten days, the females may lay eggs. In about fourteen days, the eggs hatch and the larvae begin to eat and develop.
Other Concerns
Mealworms will not bite. Dead mealworms are stiff and dark brown and should be removed from the container. Provide plenty of room for the large mealworms since they will eat each other in a constrained container. Small mealworms can be stored in a refrigerator door for several weeks to delay pupation or to extend their life.
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After your mealworms pupate, they'll emerge to look like this Adult Darkling Beetle.
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