Mealworms and Giants

Yellow mealworms, Tenebrio molitor, probably originated in the mountainous regions of Iran and Northern India and migrated into Europe during biblical times. It was introduced into the United States around the time of the Revolutionary War. In the early 1800's mealworms were already being raised as a food for pets, especially birds, and over the years millions of mealworms have escaped into the environment. It is a grain and stored product pest in the northern states, but it has not taken hold in the South. Mealworms acclimate better in cooler climates.