Study of the Life Cycle of a Mealworm
Tenebrio Molitor, also known as a mealworm, darkling beetle or stink bug go through metamorphosis during its life cycle. Watching the life cycle of a mealworm can be a very educational experience for kindergarten to elementary age students or budding entomologists. They are inexpensive to buy and easy to raise. Consider watching the metamorphosis of a mealworm in addition to the typical tadpole and butterfly lifecycle studies.
Student Objective:
To use the Scientific Method in observing and recording the life cycle of a mealworm. Four Stages of Metamorphosis in Darkling Beetle
-
EGG
Although they are too small to see with the naked eye, the hatching of the egg marks the beginning of the larval stage -
LARVA
In its larva stage it is commonly known as a mealworm, although it is not a worm at all. At this stage its main job is to find food. Mealworms do molt several times during this stage so that they can grow larger. How often they molt often depends on the temperature of their environment. Several commercial mealworm suppliers have indicated that 77 degrees is best but generally you can keep meal worms in temperatures up to 85 degrees. -
PUPA
This is the final stage between larva and adult and it can last anywhere from 1-3 weeks. During this stage the pupa is inactive but will move when touched and you can observe the head and other body parts developing. -
ADULT
At the adult stage it is now a Darkling Beetle. As the pupa first changes into a beetle it is light in color. As it matures, it turns brown and then black. Although the beetles do have wings they are unable to fly. At the adult stage female beetles can lay up to 500 eggs, beginning the life cycle again.
Lesson Plan Overview
Read a selection of books about Darkling Beetles and MealwormsDiscuss Metamorphosis
Download all handouts and review
Hands-on activities
- label the life cycle of a mealworm chart
- Correctly order picture cards to show life cyle of mealworm
- Identify the larva and look for molting
- Identify the pupa
- Identify the adult darkling beetle
- Where do mealworms live?
- What do mealworms prefer to eat?
- What eats mealworms?
Downloads
- Mealworms Activity Page
- An activity page excerpt from "Mealworms: Raise them, watch them, see them change" by Adrienne Mason. This activity is on the Habitat of a Mealworm.
- Lifecyle of a mealworm notebooking pages
- Notebooking pages for observation of mealworm life cycle. This also includes additional notebooking pages on lifecycle of a butterfly, brassica seeds and plants, milkweed bugs, triangle bugs, silkworm and square moth.
- Enchanted Learnings Meal Worm page
- Illustrated lifecycle of a mealworm (darkling beetle) that can be labeled. Includes some facts on Mealworms (Darkling Beetles).
- Mealworm/Darkling Beetle Fact Sheet
- Background information on mealworms
- Mealworms lesson plan
- 48 page lesson plan on mealworms that you can download for free.
Read Alouds
Here are some excellent choices in Read Alouds to further your study on the life cycle of a Mealworm.
Useful information on mealworms
Pictures, Facts and Information on how to raise mealworms (Darkling Beetles)
- Darkling Beetle/Mealworm Rearing
- Illustrated instructions on how to make your own Beetle Habitat for individual student observation using common household materials.
- How to Raise Mealworms
- This is the best description of how to raise a large amount of mealworms that I've found. It includes pictures and tips on creating your mealworm habitat.
- 4 stages of a mealworm (darkling beetle) life cycle
- For elementary age students this web page offers photographs of each stage with a brief description.
- University of Kentucky's Entomology for Kids Page
- Interesting discussion questions to have with children related to insects and bugs. Though it doesn't mention mealworms specifically it does contain information on how we consume bugs as part of our daily diet!
Excerpt:
Many foods we eat have insects or insect parts in them, that we don't see. The Department of Health and Human Services has set a standard called the Food Defect Action Levels, which (to quote a publication) "are set on the basis of no hazard to health... These levels are set because it is not possible, and never has been possible, to grow in open fields, harvest and process crops that are totally free of natural defects." - Comparing lifecyles of mealworms and tadpoles
- What are some similarities and differences between the life cycles of a frog and a beetle?
Also includes links to download materials to supplement the study. - Closeup image of mealworm head
- This is a MUST SEE for your students. Although it may be disturbing to the instructor! (joking)
Supply List
materials and supplements for your mealworm life cycle study
Below you will find links to educational companies who offer meal worm kits, books, and educational materials to assist you in teaching this hands-on unit.
Insect Lore
Insect Lore offers a variety of materials that are more...0 points
Wards Natural Science
offers a variety of mealworm cultures and kits in more...0 points
Worm Man Mealworms (Free Shipping)
If you are only interested in the mealworms you ma more...0 points
by KarinKath
KarinKath
My name is Karin Katherine and I am a homeschooling mother of 4. I enjoy planning hands-on learning activities for my children and sharing them with o... more »
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