Super Worms
Description
Superworms are readily available and are used as a standard feeder for larger sized animals. Their reasonable pricing and larger size have helped make them a popular staple item for most large pets.
Superworms are fairly nutritionally complete, but still require adjustment. One way to accomplish this is to feed the insects high quality foods, which is referred to as gutloading. Gutloading should take place for 24-48 hours prior to feeding the insects to your pet. Please note that gutloaded insects should still be dusted with calcium and vitamins.
Pricing
He that takes medicine and neglects diet wastes the skills of the physician.
~Chinese Proverb
More Information...
Scientific Name: Zophobas morio
Common Name(s): Superworm
Size: 40-60mm
Care
Unlike meal worms, super worms cannot be kept in the refridgerator. If they are kept at room temperature with plenty of food and moisture available, they should thrive for a month or longer. They will occasionally pupate and turn into beetles. It is suggested that the substrate be changed weekly to maintain optimal health, but it is not necessarily needed. Super worms may be maintained on various commercial gutloads or superworm diets that are available, or they may be offered various grains and cereals, such as oatmeal, wheat bran, and 12 grain cereal. Slices of potato, romaine lettuce or apple are ideal items to offer as a water source. Be sure to wash all fruits or vegetables carefully as they could still have pesticides on them that will kill the superworms. Remember, the items you feed to the superworms will affect their nutritional value, so vary it as much as possible.
If you notice that the substrate gets moist make sure to change it immediately. Moisture can lead to mould, and mouldy food has been linked to many problems and deaths in otherwise healthy animals. Ensure there is plenty of ventilation in the container the super worms are in to prevent humidity increases.
Additional Comments
Superworms are a readily available feeder to provide to animals. There is no surprise they are a popular choice with their long shelf life and ease of gutloading. Feeding freshly moulted superworms is preferred as their outer shell is softer and easier on your pet's digestive tract. Be sure you still gutload and dust the superworms accordingly. With the gutloading and dusting superworms are an excellent staple in your pet's varied diet. No pet should be fed a diet consisting of only one type of feeder insect.
Superworms can be cultured with reasonable effort. If you wish to start a culture at home there are many pages describing in great detail how to culture your own superworms.
*All sizes and shelf lives are approximate.
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