By Eric Morris Mealworms are the larval form of the darkling beetle (Tenebrio molitor). They are clean, do not carry human diseases and most importantly, are a nutritious food supplement readily accepted by birds and fishes. Mealworms can be offered to birds to entice them to use a nest box or to assist the incubating female to find food quickly so that she does not have to leave her eggs for long periods of time. They act as supplementary food for nestling if food becomes scarce when weather conditions prevent the parents from finding insects and, help them survive during spells of severe winter weather. Raising mealworms is quite easy, requiring only a grain source such as wheat bran, cornmeal, chicken mash or oatmeal. To provide moisture, one may add a piece of potato, apple or banana peel on a paper towel or a cardboard about once a week. Care should be taken that the meal itself doesn't become too moist. Mealworms can be kept in shallow plastic containers (2 to 5 gallons capacity) that are covered with a lid that provides good air circulation (a cover of screen or perforated metal can be used). The containers are to be kept in the dark because darkling beetle prefers darkness. If one intends to raise mealworms, a piece of cloth can be placed over a portion of the grain to provide a surface on which the adult beetles can lay their eggs. The mealworms burrow below the surface of the grain and undergo a series of molts. Their development is most rapid at the optimum temperature of 80 F. After the last molt, the larva comes to the surface and metamorphoses into naked white pupae for 6 - 18 days and then finally into a beetle. It is interesting to note that although the adult beetles have wings but they rarely fly. They usually lay their eggs 9 - 20 days after emergence and then die. Egg incubation is about 4-19 days. Eventually, waste products or "frass" builds up and a slight odor of ammonia will be detected. When this occurs, the grain needs to be sifted to separate the worms and adult beetles. The container is to be washed and new grain should be added. Dry cat food can be added to the grain to enhance the protein value of the mealworm for birds. Keeping them in the refrigerator for a few weeks, up to several months can slow the mealworm metabolism down. If you plan to do so, the vegetable matter must be removed first. Worms provides detailed information on Worms, Dog Worms, Ring Worm, Tape Worms and more. Worms is affiliated with Insect Bites. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Morris http://EzineArticles.com/?Raising-Mealworms&id=409795 pharmacy online tramadol
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