Small Mealworms for Sale
Small mealworms are about 1/2″, a step up from the mini size. They are the larvae of the beetle Tenebrio molitor, and they are protein-rich and easy to store. This size suits smaller and younger reptiles, amphibians, and birds that need a small feeder. Offer them within a varied diet, and dust them first.
A Smaller Feeder
Small worms fit animals that the medium and large sizes would overwhelm. So they work well for younger or smaller pets, and you can step up to the medium 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
- Smaller and younger reptiles, amphibians, and birds.
- Animals that have outgrown the mini size.
- Keepers who want a storable small feeder.
- Adding protein and variety to a feeder rotation.
Not Best For
- Mid-sized to larger animals, which suit the medium or large size.
- The smallest animals, which suit the mini 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.
- Medium Mealworms for when your animal grows.
- Mini Mealworms for the smallest animals.
- Mealworm Bran to feed, house, and culture them.
- Live Mealworms to browse all sizes and stages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are small mealworms?
They are about 1/2″, a step up from the mini size. They suit smaller and younger reptiles, amphibians, and birds.
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 small for smaller or younger animals, the mini size for the smallest, or the medium size as they grow.
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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