mealie?

[Kilikina]

i've been feeding kiki both crickets and mealworms lately, and she's been enjoying them both. but that's not really the point.

when i bought the mealies, they came in a tiny little tub with oat-type stuff in it. i noticed a weird little thing in their that definitely isn't a mealworm, but isn't a roach either. it resembles a mealworm only it's a little shorter and wider. it's a lighter color, and it looks like it *might* be growing tiny little legs or something out the side of it.

my question.. what the heck is it?

 

[shadowx362]

maybe a "cleaner worm" I believe what people call them.

 

[LeapinLizards]

A picture would be about the only way to tell!

 

[Geck-O]

Sounds sorta like a mealie pupa. Is it moving?

 

[nats]

I think I know what you mean.
Are they dark color and kind of pointed at the ends?

I get these things in with my cric orders sometimes.
I have no idea what they are.

P.S. on second thought, you are discribing a mealie pupea!!

I thought you where talking about something else until I re-read your post!!

 

[Kilikina]

okay, thanks. no, it's not moving, but it's in the fridge.. what should i do with it?? can she eat it?

 

[LeapinLizards]

Meal worm pupa look like little aliens, here is a picture:

 

[rcobourn]

okay, thanks. no, it's not moving, but it's in the fridge.. what should i do with it?? can she eat it?

They don't move much, unless provoked, so she probably won't eat it. Eventually it will turn into a beetle. Some leos will eat the beetles but they aren't a particularly nutritious food item. Get enough beetles and you have a start on your own mealie colony.

 

[Kilikina]

okay, thank you

 

[nats]

LOL!! Heather, you beat me to it, I was about to post a pic of the aliens :main_laugh:

 

[Scoots85]

Is it essential to keep mealworms in the fridge? We have a cool-room in the basement that isn't insulated so in the winter we use it to store food. Right now it stays anywhere from about 55F to 60F in there, and of course in the winter it'll be even chillier. I'm guessing it's fine if I keep them in the tub Killi mentioned (the one with the oats 'n stuff) in the cool room.. ?
And before feeding do I need to wait for them to warm up or can geckos eat mealies when they are still chilled?

 

[nats]

If you dont want them to pupate you can refrigerate them, and 50F is perfect.
Dont forget, they are dorment when cold and dont eat. Best to take them out every few days to let them eat and rehydrate.
I always let mine get to room temp before serving, but you dont have to.

I just dont think I would want to eat cold worms! :main_laugh:

 

[Scoots85]

Great, thanks!