Mealworm

Natural Habitat

Dark, cool, and moist areas; commonly found in stored grain, flour, and decaying organic matter.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on stored grains, cereals, decaying vegetation, and occasionally animal protein.

Behavior Patterns

The larval stage of the yellow mealworm beetle; they undergo complete metamorphosis and are primarily nocturnal and photophobic.

Risks & Benefits

Often considered a pest of stored products; however, they are highly beneficial as a sustainable protein source for food and animal feed, and as decomposers in the ecosystem.

Identified on: 2/6/2026