Mealworms | Pupae

Mealworm Pupae for Sale

These are mealworm pupae, the life stage between the larva and the adult beetle of Tenebrio molitor. Pupae turn into breeding beetles within days, so they jumpstart a mealworm colony. Because they neither eat nor move much, they are simple to hold while they develop. They are sold as breeding stock, since the beetles they become are bitter and not fed.

Jumpstart Your Colony

Raising a colony from larvae takes months. Pupae shorten that, since they soon become adult beetles that breed and lay eggs. So pupae are a fast, low-effort way to seed a colony. A larger count starts a bigger colony, while a small count is enough to begin.

What to Expect

Keep the pupae warm at room temperature, not in the refrigerator. They do not need food at this stage. Within days they emerge as beetles, which then lay eggs in a bran substrate. Those eggs hatch into mealworms that grow, pupate, and continue the cycle.

Not a Staple Feeder

Pupae are a transitional stage, not a staple feeder. The mealworm larvae the colony produces are the feeder. Remember that those larvae are low in calcium, so dust them with TC Calcium Ultra Fine before feeding.

Best For

• Starting or boosting a mealworm colony.
• Breeders who want beetles within days.
• A low-effort stage that needs no feeding.
• Cutting the cost of buying larvae repeatedly.

Not Best For

• A staple feeder, since pupae are a transitional stage.
• Keepers who only want ready feeders, who should buy larvae.
• Anyone not set up to keep a warm colony with substrate.

Recommended Add-Ons

• Mealworm Beetles to start breeding immediately.
• Mealworm Bran as substrate and food for the colony.
• Large Mealworms as feeder larvae or more breeding stock.
• TC Calcium Ultra Fine to dust the larvae you produce.
• Live Mealworms to browse all sizes and stages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are mealworm pupae?

They are the life stage between the larva and the adult beetle of Tenebrio molitor. They turn into breeding beetles within days.

Why buy pupae?

They jumpstart a colony, since they soon become beetles that breed. That saves the months it takes larvae to mature.

Can I feed pupae to my pet?

Pupae are a transitional stage and are sold as breeding stock. The mealworm larvae the colony produces are the feeder, and you should dust those.

How do I keep them?

Keep them warm at room temperature, not in the fridge. They need no food, and within days they emerge as beetles.

How many should I get?

Choose 5 to 1,000. A larger count starts a bigger colony, while a small count is enough to begin.

Learn More About Mealworms

These sources cover the mealworm larvae your colony will produce and feed off.

• AJVR: Calcium and Phosphorus in Mealworms and Superworms. Peer-reviewed veterinary research on the calcium-to-phosphorus balance of mealworm larvae.
• ScienceDirect: Gut Loading (veterinary overview). A reference on why feeder insects need supplementation, which supports dusting the larvae you raise.
• ABVP: Feeder Insect Nutrition. A veterinary overview noting the inverse calcium-to-phosphorus ratio common to mealworms and most feeders.