All possible substrates for mealworms/superworms

[Conner Richter]

So not to seem like a bother but i was wondering if anyone had a list for all/most possible substrates when it comes to breeding mealworms and/or superworms.Thanks in advance to all replies.Also are there any substrates nutritionally better then others.

[IW17]

I use either wheat bran or chicken starter mash. Both can be both at local feed or supply stores. I use them for my mealworms and superworms. Both colonies growing like crazy. Have you bred either of these before?

[Conner Richter]

Originally Posted by IW17

I use either wheat bran or chicken starter mash. Both can be both at local feed or supply stores. I use them for my mealworms and superworms. Both colonies growing like crazy. Have you bred either of these before?

Thanks for the reply and yes ive bred mealworms before but then the colony died from a mystery fungus

[IW17]

I've heard of this happening. Never dealt with it and fingers crossed, hopefully never will. That being said at least mealworms are good at reproducing lol. I prefer chicken mash because it's "grains" are larger. That way I can pour the whole tub into a strainer and the fras falls through and the uneaten leftovers stay in the strainer with the worms.

Breeding superworms is pretty much the same except you have to separate the worms and allow them to pupate away from the colony, as superworms will cannibalize any immobilized worms. I found the easiest way is to buy cheap bead/tackle boxes and put one worm in each compartment. Once they pupate, put the pupae in another container and add worms to the empty spots. Other than that step it's the same process as mealworms. I'll post pics of my setup.

[IW17]

This is my breeding superworm colony. I use plastic drawers. The next oils are of the bead containers I use for the pupae. I drill one small hole in the lid over each container section for airflow.

[Conner Richter]

Originally Posted by IW17

This is my breeding superworm colony. I use plastic drawers. The next oils are of the bead containers I use for the pupae. I drill one small hole in the lid over each container section for airflow.

Thanks for the info and the pics

[IW17]

No problem good luck