Mini Mealworms for Sale
Mini mealworms are the smallest size, about 1/4″. They are the larvae of the beetle Tenebrio molitor, and they are protein-rich and easy to store. This size suits the smallest insectivores and hatchlings that a larger worm would overwhelm. Offer them within a varied diet, and dust them first.
The Smallest Size
Mini worms fit tiny animals like small geckos, hatchlings, and small amphibians. So they work well as a starter size, and you can step up to the small size as your animal grows. Like other standard mealworms, they pupate normally, so you can also culture them.
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
- Small geckos, hatchlings, and small amphibians.
- The smallest insectivores that need a tiny feeder.
- Keepers who want a storable starter-size feeder.
- Adding protein and variety to a feeder rotation.
Not Best For
- Mid-sized to larger animals, which suit the medium or large size.
- Animals that have outgrown tiny feeders, which suit the small size.
- 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.
- Small Mealworms for when your animal grows.
- Medium Mealworms as it grows further.
- Mealworm Bran to feed, house, and culture them.
- Live Mealworms to browse all sizes and stages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are mini mealworms?
They are the smallest size, about 1/4″. They suit small geckos, hatchlings, and other tiny insectivores.
Can I breed these mealworms?
Yes. Standard mealworms pupate and can be cultured. 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.
Which size should I pick?
Choose mini for the smallest animals, then step up to the small and medium sizes as your animal grows.
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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