mealworm beetle sizes

[sammer021486]

I am getting mealworm beetles that are two different sizes, does this mean that I have two different types of beetle or is it normal for the beetles to vary in size.

One beetle is about 3/4" long and about 1/4" wide, the other beetle is is about 1/2" long and about 1/8" wide.

 

[erik]

they're just different in age. They start off as white, then turn brown and then blackish. They also grow bigger during these phases. Good luck with em!

 

[sammer021486]

they're just different in age. They start off as white, then turn brown and then blackish. They also grow bigger during these phases. Good luck with em!

Once a beetle emerges from the pupa stage it is no longer able to grow. Yes both beetles ermerge as white, then go brown, and finally black. The beetles I am refering to are in their black form. That is why I am wondering if I have 2 different species of meal worm or if it is normal to have the beetles emerge as drastically varying sizes.

If I have time today I will snap a couple of pics. I may not have the time and will have to wait until sunday night.

 

[erik]

I figure their exoskeleton may give them some room for growth since i see some significant differences in size, but maybe some are just bigger than others, just like humans

Looking forward to your pics. I just started breeding them...

 

[sammer021486]

Looking forward to your pics. I just started breeding them...

I am trying to start my own colony, finally . The cost of mealworms are not that bad, but it does add up quickly. Especially when I am purchasing 300 mealworms for $10, but can order 1000 for $10, shipping is what kills on the bulk order though.

I am going to also try and get a superworm colony going.

What I need to do is find a feeder to go along with the mealworms, because crickets are too darn expensive and most roach species are banned in Canada.

 

[LizMarie]

Ive noticed that it depends on the size of the worm once it becomes to pupae. I had breed these mealworms that for some odd reason were turning into pupae WAY TOO SOON some of them weren't even an inch long, I swear I had the tiniest beetles in the world, it was the oddest thing.

My conclusion, Small Worm = Small Pupae = Small Beetle

 

[herpencounter]

Males and females guys... Females are the big ones.

Liz, I noticed the same thing.

 

[sammer021486]

Males and females guys... Females are the big ones.

Liz, I noticed the same thing.

Aww, I just figured they would be all the same size for male or female. Looks like I a have fairly 1:1 ratio then.