darkling beetle. tenebrio molitor
We organically bred Tenebrio Molitor species in a climate-controlled environment using our state-of-the-art vertical farming system.
All our individuals are chemical and hormone-free. And our feed is controlled and sterilised to avoid contamination.
High-protein Beetles to start your farm or feed your pets...
- 65 +10% darkling beetles units
- Royal Mail 1st Class
- Shipping Included
- 65 +10% darkling beetles units
- Royal Mail 1st Class
- Shipping Included
- 200 +20% darkling beetles units
- Royal Mail 1st Class
- Shipping Included
About the Beetle Lifecycle
Beetles are the fourth and final stage of the Tenebrio Molitor life cycle, and they lay eggs in the substrate to produce the next generation.
- Beetles begin breeding a few days after hatching, with females laying up to 500 eggs each over eight weeks. Proper care can extend their life span to over one year. Eggs hatch in 4-19 days, depending on temperature.
- Beetles need approximately 10-14 days to mate and lay eggs after emerging from pupae. These eggs get mixed in with frass at the bottom of the container, providing the next generation.
For example, the productive 65-unit beetle can deliver more than 30K mealworms throughout their lifetime if it's well-kept and maintained!
Who can enjoy beetles?
Due to their size, darkling beetles are eaten by a lot of animals. In the wild, Tenebrio Molitor beetles are frequently eaten by coyotes, foxes, hawks, snakes, leopard geckos, ravens, fish , and crows, among other animals.
Common pets that are known to eat live beetles are:
- Reptiles (e.g., bearded dragons, chameleons, geckos, snakes).
- Amphibians (e.g., frogs, toads)
- Birds of prey (e.g., hawks, owls)
- Certain species of fish (e.g., some cichlids, pufferfish)
- Arachnids (e.g., tarantulas)
It is important to note that the suitability of live beetles as a food source for a particular pet may vary based on factors such as the pet's size, species, and age. Before offering live beetles to your pet, it is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or a specialist in exotic pet nutrition to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your pet.
Darkling Beetle
The darkling beetle, also known as the mealworm beetle, is a species of beetle from the family Tenebrionidae. It is scientifically known as Tenebrio molitor.
The beetle is native to Europe but has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including North America, and is now widely distributed across much of the world.
Darkling beetles are typically brown or black and have a rounded, oblong shape. In nature, they are commonly found in dark, moist environments and feed on various organic matter, including leaves, stems, and seeds.
In addition to being a food source for pets, darkling beetles have potential use in agriculture as a natural pest control. The beetles feed on pests such as cutworms and armyworms, making them a possible alternative to chemical pesticides.
Darkling beetles are also of interest to scientists due to their ability to tolerate harsh environments and break down and recycle organic matter. These traits make them valuable indicators of ecosystem health and resilience and have led to their use in studies on soil ecology and the effects of climate change on ecosystems.
