References
Smith, F. (2000, August 2). Breeding Superworms. Retrieved February 26, 2017, from http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?c=6016&articleid=2486
Wildheart. (2011, July 1). Difference Between Superworms and Mealworms. Retrieved February 26, 2017, from http://reptile-parrots.com/forums/showthread.php/218-Difference-between-Mealworms-and-Superworms-and-how-to-Breed-them
Mealworm (Darkling Beetle) Lifecycle Printout - Enchanted Learning Software. (n.d.). Retrieved February 26, 2017, from http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/insects/beetles/mealworm/mealwormlifecycle.shtml
Viviani, V. (2009). An ancestral luciferase in the Malpighi tubules. Retrieved February 26, 2017, from http://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2009/pp/b817114a/unauth#!divAbstract
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The Superworm (Zophobas Morio)
Special Interest
The super worm is very unique in the way it molds its skin every few days as it grows and how it changes colors from bright colors, into dark colors in only a matter of hours. The darkling beetle changes from multiple shades of tan to multiple shades of brown and to the final dark black color it will finally end on.
The zophobas morio adult stage is the darkling beetle. This beetle can perform fascinating techniques for survival. The beetle can produce its own water internally for arid weather. It also expulses a pungent odor when threatened to avoid getting eaten. The darkling beetle is also a scavenger feeder that will eat almost anything it finds in order to survive.
Habitat
The super worm is native to central and south America. This organism has been domesticated in the US due to finding a space in the pet industry. The super worm i now bred for selling and baiting purposes
During the Zophobas Morio pupa stage, it goes through a process called metamorphosis. This is similar to the process that a caterpillar goes through before emerging a butterfly. Similarly, the Zophobas Morio will emerge a beetle, which is its finl adult stage.
The Zophobas Morio, also known as the Super Worm or giant mealworm is a unique larva of the darkling beetle native to South and Central America. The super worm goes through a lifecycle of metamorphosis that includes the larvae stage, a pupa stage, and a final adult beetle stage. The Super Worm is a domesticated insect of North America as one of the many primary food sources in the pet industry and bait for the fishing industry. The unique attributes and features of the super worm show how evolution plays a big part in ensuring the survival of the fittest in adaption make it from generation to generation.
Larvae
Egg
The Zophobas Morio, common name, the Super Worm, is the larvae of the darkling beetle native to South and Central America. This larva is similar to its cousin, the mealworm, but about twice the size and more active. The Super Worm’s life cycle is similar to all larva type insects: the larva stage, the pupa, and the beetle.
During the larva stage, the Super Worm’s outer skin is composed of a tough shell that helps in protection against predatory animals. It also aides in burrowing through tough surfaces such as hard grounds and wood. The Super Worm is a scavenger larva that is used widely in North America as bait for fishing and feeder insects for various pets such as reptiles and fishes.
The darkling beetle will have a period of mating after it has reached maturity. The male will seek female and will mate from several minutes to several days. After the female has been gravid for several weeks, it will proceed unto laying eggs that will one day hatch in the super worms.
The Zophobas Morio, along with its adult stage; the darkling beetle, is an opportunistic and scavenging organism. These creatures will scavenge through decomposing matter such as fruits, vegetables, fungi, leaves, and even other larvae.