Mealworm breeding question(s)

[JoshDM020]

Ive got quite a few beetles running around, now. Like... more than i feel are necessary. How can i tell male from female and how many of each do i need?
Half of em are half the size of the other half.

 

[1Lord Of Ants1]

Males are often smaller than females and the latter possess an ovipositor. The males spend a lot of time mounting females. How many you need relies on how many mealworms you want in the future. The beetles are pretty prolific and will do their own thing without need for maintenance provided both sexes are present. Just keep crowding somewhat controlled and moisture sources present to prevent excessive egg cannibilism. For best production the adult beetles should be rotated to a new substrate every 2-3 weeks.

 

[JoshDM020]

rotated to a new substrate every 2-3 weeks.

Huh. One of the sites i looked at (found a link on the boards somewhere) said they usually only LIVE that long. So thats new information. Thanks!