Superworm Care Sheet

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Common Name Superworm
Scientific Name Zophobas morio
Size 1" - 2"

Like mealworms, superworms are the larvae of a darkling beetle, Zophobas morio. Not to be confused with giant mealworms, which are mealworms sprayed with a juvenile hormone, superworms are a great source of calcium, fat and fiber. Compared to mealworms, superworms yield much higher amounts of those three, mostly due to the hard chitin that superworms have. This rather thick chitin can make it harder for your pet to eat, so be sure when buying them your pet can handle chomping through it. The chitin makes the biggest difference when it comes to nutrition, so here’s an analysis of our superworms at Fluker’s:

Analysis of a Superworm
Moisture 61.92% 
Fat 14.19% 
Protein 19.06% 
Fiber 2.6% 
Calcium 173 ppm

Superworms also have the ability to bite, unlike mealworms, and have a small pin on their backs they can use for attacking, similar to a scorpion, so use caution when feeding to a younger animal!

Superworms are much more active than mealworms, which makes them more desirable in some cases, specifically, if your pet enjoys hunting or is a picky eater. Many insectivorous creatures are attracted to movement, which makes superworms a desirable choice. Superworms also last longer than mealworms in the pupae stage; superworms stay as pupae for upwards of three months while mealworms only last a few weeks. However, superworms do not last in a refrigerated environment, unlike mealworms, as cold temperatures don’t send them into hibernation. 

Caring for Superworms:

A one thousand count bulk of superworms can be kept in a large plastic container, with air holes in the top. You should cover the superworms with a thick layer of wheat middling, oatmeal, or Fluker's mealworm bedding to provide bedding and a food source. 

Superworms are relatively easy to keep, just keep them at room temperature. Place slices of potato on the top for water.

As said before, Do NOT refrigerate the superworms. Unlike other feeder insects, refrigerating superworms does not cause a hibernation.