Mealworm farming

Are the "small" mealworms they sell at pet stores really just the larvae of the beetle at a couple weeks old and then just put in the fridge to keep them that way? If you breed the small ones, is it possible to eventually get large ones?
 
Are the "small" mealworms they sell at pet stores really just the larvae of the beetle at a couple weeks old and then just put in the fridge to keep them that way? If you breed the small ones, is it possible to eventually get large ones?
yep just young ones they will grow till about one inch. Pupate. Then turn into beetles and start laying eggs. Its just starting at a different spot in the life cycle.
 
I started my mealworm colony on Dec 31st with >1000 medium-size worms. I started getting my first beetles last week. I now have dozens, but I'm a little worried they will not make it.

1) They flip onto their backs quite easily, and cannot right themselves. This must be normal, and perhaps it is just survival of the fittest. But I don't see how the colony will survive if they go turtle one-by-one :)
2) They are not moving around much. The air temp is around 68°. I've ready that 80° is ideal, but that as low as 72° works as well. Given that the pupa are hatching (?) in less than a week, I would think the beetles would be find at 68° as well. No?
 
I just ordered 1000 mealworms form amazon, and it will be arriving on monday. I DID NOT get a heat pack, I don't even know if that was an option, but if it hits high 30s to mid 40s will the worms survive? Is it kind of a 'body heat' thing where they can be warm together, or are they hardy worms by themselves?
 
I just ordered 1000 mealworms form amazon, and it will be arriving on monday. I DID NOT get a heat pack, I don't even know if that was an option, but if it hits high 30s to mid 40s will the worms survive? Is it kind of a 'body heat' thing where they can be warm together, or are they hardy worms by themselves?
they will most likely go into stasis at 40 degrees f. Anything lower goes into reath range. In the future see if they will have them held at post office for pick up. Thats how i send all of mine. Less chance of them freezing during winter or cooking in summer.
 

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