mealworm larvae appearance

[lenjac]

I'm wondering if anyone can tell me how to pick the difference in appearance of the worms prior to molting as opposed to pupating?
Anything "turning", like very still, forming a "C" shape, skin a lighter colour, etc, I was putting into a tray expecting to eventually see pupae, then beetles. Most did this but some remained as worms, shedding and growing larger.
TIA
Jacqui

 

[Kelsie2290]

If they are going to pupate they normally kind of curl up into a u or c shape and look fat and stiff, never really noticed any color difference. I never bothered to take them out until they pupated. The various websites say they can shed 10-20 times and take 10-12 weeks on average to get to the pupa stage under good conditions. Not sure if you have seen it, but this is my favorite mealworm website. http://www.sialis.org/raisingmealworms.htm

 

[lenjac]

Yeah thanks,
I like that site too...sounds very professional and pretty accurate. Will read again. I guess time will teach me.
Jacqui