The Ultimate Guide to Breeding Superworms: From Larvae to Thriving Colony

Superworms, the larvae of the darkling beetle Zophobas morio, are a popular choice as feeder insects for reptiles, amphibians, and even some birds. They are larger than mealworms, making them a more substantial meal, and are also higher in protein and fat. However, purchasing superworms regularly can be costly, making breeding them at home an attractive alternative. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of breeding superworms, ensuring you can establish a thriving colony and provide a consistent supply of these nutritious feeders.

Why Breed Superworms?

Before diving into the details, let’s consider the benefits of breeding superworms:

• Cost-Effective: Breeding your own superworms significantly reduces the ongoing cost of purchasing feeders.
• Consistent Supply: You’ll always have a supply of superworms available when needed, eliminating the worry of running out.
• Control over Diet: You can ensure your superworms are gut-loaded with nutritious food, further enhancing their nutritional value for your pets.
• Engaging Hobby: Observing the life cycle of these insects can be a fascinating and educational experience.

Understanding the Superworm Life Cycle

Superworms undergo a complete metamorphosis, passing through four distinct stages:

1. Egg: Tiny, oval-shaped eggs are laid by the female beetles.
2. Larva (Superworm): The larva hatches from the egg and spends its life eating and growing, molting its exoskeleton several times.
3. Pupa: Once the larva is fully grown, it transforms into a pupa, a non-feeding resting stage.
4. Adult Beetle: The pupa develops into an adult darkling beetle, which reproduces and lays eggs, starting the cycle anew.

The key to successful breeding is understanding the needs of each stage and providing the optimal environment for them to thrive.

Setting Up Your Superworm Breeding Colony

Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up your superworm breeding colony:

1. Gathering the Necessary Supplies

You’ll need the following items to get started:

• Containers: Several plastic containers with smooth, vertical sides are essential. Avoid containers with rough surfaces or sharp edges, as superworms can climb up those types of surfaces. Use different sized containers, as they’ll be used for different phases. Suggested sizes are: one large container(15-20 gallons) for the larvae, multiple smaller containers(5-10 gallons) for pupation, and another large container for the beetles.
• Substrate: A bedding material that the superworms can burrow in. Great options include wheat bran, oat bran, or a mixture of both. You could also use a commercial cricket or mealworm bedding. Avoid cedar or pine shavings as they are toxic to insects. At least 2-3 inches should be provided for the larvae and pupae.
• Food: A variety of food sources are needed for the larvae and beetles. Suitable options include fresh vegetables like carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and squash. Dry options include high protein items like chicken feed, fish food flakes, or dry dog food. Ensure that there is a variety to provide all the necessary nutrients.
• Water Source: Provide moisture, but avoid standing water. Good options include sliced potatoes, carrots, or damp paper towels.
• Egg-laying substrate: A separate container filled with a different substrate such as coco fiber or peat moss for adult beetles to lay their eggs. This substrate should be kept consistently damp to allow the eggs to remain viable.
• Ventilation: Make sure the containers have adequate ventilation. This could be small holes drilled in the lid or a mesh covering. Proper ventilation prevents the build up of harmful gases and mold, while ensuring proper humidity for the insects to thrive.
• Heat Source (Optional): Superworms thrive in temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C). If your ambient temperature is colder, consider using a heat mat or low-wattage heat lamp to maintain the optimal temperature. Be cautious with heat mats and make sure the container is not overheating, otherwise the larvae and pupae could dry out.
• Hiding Places (Optional): You can provide small pieces of cardboard or egg cartons to provide shelter for the larvae and beetles, making them more comfortable and less stressed.
• Separation Containers: Small individual containers for the pupae, as they will need to pupate separately from each other to avoid getting disturbed. This could be small plastic cups or vials.
• Patience: Breeding superworms is a relatively slow process and requires patience, as it can take several months for the colony to establish.

2. Setting Up the Larval Container

1. Prepare the Container: Select the largest container you have and ensure it’s clean and dry.
2. Add Substrate: Pour your chosen substrate into the container, creating a layer that’s at least 2-3 inches deep. This layer serves as the primary habitat for the larvae, allowing them to burrow and grow.
3. Introduce Larvae: Obtain a starter culture of superworm larvae, about 100 to 200 larvae is a good place to start, to give you a good chance of success and enough insects to keep the colony going, from a reputable source. Place them gently into the container.
4. Provide Food: Add fresh vegetable slices (such as carrot, potato, or squash) and dry food sources to the container. Make sure not to overfeed to prevent molding.
5. Water Source: Add a source of moisture, like a few slices of potato, or a corner of damp paper towel. Ensure there is a way for them to access moisture, but not to have it too damp to prevent mold.
6. Monitor: Keep an eye on the container. Make sure to replenish the food and water, and clean up any mold or discarded food waste.

3. Separating Larvae for Pupation

Superworms will not pupate when they are kept together in a large group. They need to be isolated to trigger this stage of their life cycle. This is the most time-consuming part of the breeding process, but critical to moving the colony forward.

1. Identify Ready Larvae: Look for the largest larvae in the container. These are the ones closest to pupating. They will usually be 1.5-2 inches long.
2. Individual Containers: Transfer each large larva into its own small container. Use the plastic cups or vials you prepared previously. You can use a simple piece of paper towel or a small piece of the substrate for them to crawl around in.
3. Monitor for Pupation: Check the containers every day. Over time, the larvae will curl up and shed their skin, forming a pupa. This process usually takes a few days. The pupae will start off white, but slowly darken as they age.
4. Maintain Cleanliness: It’s crucial to avoid disturbing the pupae. Keep the individual containers clean and dry, and do not move the pupae until they become beetles.

4. Housing the Beetles

1. Prepare Beetle Container: Select another large container similar to the larvae container.
2. Add Substrate: Add a few inches of your chosen substrate.
3. Transfer Beetles: Once the pupae have completed their metamorphosis into beetles (usually about 2-3 weeks), carefully transfer them into the beetle container.
4. Provide Food and Water: Like the larvae, the beetles need fresh vegetables and a dry food source. Also, make sure to supply moisture.
5. Egg-Laying Substrate: Place a separate small container filled with damp coco fiber or peat moss into the beetle container, This will allow for the beetles to lay their eggs.
6. Monitor: Monitor the beetle container and remove the egg-laying container when you see small eggs.

5. Egg Care and Hatching

1. Separate Egg Container: Once the beetles have laid eggs in the egg-laying substrate, remove the small container into a separate container.
2. Maintain Moisture: Keep the egg-laying substrate damp. This is important for egg viability, preventing the eggs from drying out. You can use a spray bottle to mist them with water every day or every other day depending on your environment.
3. Hatching: In 7-14 days (depending on temperature), tiny larvae will hatch from the eggs. These new larvae can be transferred into the main larvae container and continue the cycle.

Tips for Success

Here are some additional tips to help you succeed in breeding superworms:

• Temperature Control: Superworms do best at temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C). Warmer temperatures can speed up their growth and reproductive cycles, while cooler temperatures will slow it down.
• Humidity: Maintain moderate humidity in your breeding containers. Too much moisture can lead to mold and bacterial growth, while too little can dry out the insects. Make sure to provide a consistent water source, but not allow the containers to become soggy.
• Hygiene: Keep your containers clean and remove any uneaten food or dead insects regularly to prevent the build-up of harmful substances and mold.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Overcrowding can stress the insects and hinder their growth. Make sure you are using a large enough container to allow the insects to thrive.
• Variety in Diet: Offering a variety of foods ensures that the superworms are getting all the nutrients they need to grow and reproduce.
• Be Patient: Breeding superworms takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.
• Ventilation: Make sure there is adequate air flow in each container. If the air becomes too stagnant, mold can grow, and the insects may suffocate.
• Regular Inspection: Check on your colony regularly to spot and address any potential problems, such as mites or fungal growth, early on.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to address them:

• Slow Growth: This may be due to low temperatures or insufficient food. Ensure optimal temperature and provide a balanced diet.
• High Mortality Rate: Check for overcrowding, poor ventilation, or excess moisture. Make sure the insects have adequate space to move around, proper ventilation, and a good balance of moisture.
• Mites: Mites can sometimes infest superworm colonies. Preventing this with good hygiene and making sure there is proper ventilation. If they are present, try switching out all the substrate, food, and water with fresh sources. If the problem continues, you can try a commercially available mite treatment specific for insects.
• Mold Growth: Ensure adequate ventilation and avoid over-watering. Make sure that your water source is a wet but not soggy item, and that excess moisture is not collecting in the container. Remove any food that is starting to rot, which could lead to mold.

Conclusion

Breeding superworms can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to provide nutritious feeders for your pets. By following this guide, you can establish a thriving colony and ensure a consistent supply of superworms. Remember to be patient, provide proper care, and observe the superworms closely to address any issues that may arise. With a little effort, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful superworm breeder!

Good luck with your superworm breeding journey!