Superworms questions...

[pinkfoot]

I've just bought two dozen superworms and would like to know how to tell the difference between a Super and a Mealworm, as I have no idea if the petstore dude had them correctly labelled. Pics would be really great!

What is the correct scientific name for Superworms?

 

[Alakdan]

Super worms are Zoophobas morio.

Mealworms are about an inch long and 1/16 inch thick, straw-colored, and they don't move to much.

Superworms reach almost 2 inches long and 1/4 inch thick. The shell is glossier and tougher than the mealworm and black coloration towards each end. They tend to crawl a lot.

 

[Choobaine]

here!
From my personal collection!
I have hundreds of each, the smaller ones burrow while the ones closer to pupateing tend to come to the surface.

Tenebrio molitor

Zoophobas morio

 

[pinkfoot]

Ah, that's a great pair of replies - thank you! :clap:

 

[petshopguy]

Also - if the pet store pulls a small tub of superworms out of their fridge, you better check to make sure whether it is giant mealworms or superworms (if superworms - they will be dead). Several pet stores make the mistake of refrigerating superworms, just like their mealworms and giant mealworms. I had one pet store owner try to convince me that all of the black immobile superworms in his fridge weren't dead, they were just probably molting. :wall:
I am sooo thankful for the internet and forums!

 

[pinkfoot]

ROFL! Yeah, I think the sticky on Superworms under 'Articles' covers this in depth, but I am confident now that I do indeed have Superworms.

However, I must confess I tossed them each into a separate container with bran, which was my first mistake!