Large Mealworms for Sale
Large mealworms are the standard mealworm size, about 7/8″ to 1″. They are the larvae of the beetle Tenebrio molitor, and they are protein-rich and easy to store. As the everyday staple size, they suit a wide range of mid-sized to larger reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Offer them within a varied diet, and dust them first.
Breedable, Unlike Giants
These standard mealworms pupate normally, so you can culture your own colony from them. That sets them apart from giant mealworms, which are grown larger and generally do not pupate. So if you want to breed mealworms, start with this size. Keeping some in bran at room temperature lets them pupate into beetles and reproduce.
Dust for Calcium and Feed in Moderation
Mealworms are sometimes called a calcium source, but they are not. They are low in calcium and carry more phosphorus, like crickets. So dust them with a supplement such as TC Calcium Ultra Fine before feeding. They are also moderately fatty with a firm shell, so feed them as part of a varied diet rather than as a low-fat option.
Easy to Store
Mealworms are one of the easiest feeders to keep. Store them cool in the refrigerator to slow them, where they hold for weeks. Keep them in bran, which doubles as their food, with a slice of vegetable for moisture. Then bring them to room temperature before feeding.
Best For
- Mid-sized to larger reptiles, amphibians, and birds.
- Keepers who want a reliable staple feeder.
- Keepers who want to culture their own mealworms.
- Adding protein and variety to a feeder rotation.
Not Best For
- Small or young animals, which suit the small or mini size.
- The very largest animals, which may prefer giant mealworms.
- Keepers who will not dust feeders, since mealworms are low in calcium.
Recommended Add-Ons
- TC Calcium Ultra Fine to dust the mealworms before feeding.
- Giant Mealworms for larger animals.
- Small Mealworms for smaller animals.
- Mealworm Bran to feed, house, and culture them.
- Live Mealworms to browse all sizes and stages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are large mealworms?
They are the standard size, about 7/8″ to 1″. They suit mid-sized to larger reptiles, amphibians, and birds.
Can I breed these mealworms?
Yes. Standard mealworms pupate and can be cultured, unlike giants. Keep some in bran at room temperature to start a colony.
Are mealworms a good calcium source?
No. Mealworms are low in calcium and carry more phosphorus, so dust them before feeding to support bone health.
Are they low in fat?
Not really. They are moderately fatty with a firm shell, so feed them in moderation as part of a varied diet.
How do I store them?
Keep them cool in the refrigerator, where they hold for weeks. Store them in bran with a slice of vegetable, then warm them before feeding.
How are they different from giant mealworms?
Giants are larger but generally do not pupate, so they are for feeding only. Large mealworms are standard and can be bred.
Learn More About Mealworms
These sources cover mealworm nutrition and why dusting matters.
- AJVR: Calcium and Phosphorus in Mealworms and Superworms. Peer-reviewed veterinary research on the calcium-to-phosphorus balance of mealworms.
- ScienceDirect: Gut Loading (veterinary overview). A reference on why feeder insects need supplementation, which supports dusting mealworms.
- ABVP: Feeder Insect Nutrition. A veterinary overview noting the inverse calcium-to-phosphorus ratio common to mealworms and most feeders.
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