Super Worms

[Nancy]

I read within the past week that super worms are given a growth hormone to make them big. I can't for the life of me remember where I read it and of course didn't think to bookmark it.

Has anyone else heard this. If this is true I sure won't be feeding anymore super worms.

[Ravnos]

Super worms are a different species, Zophobas morio, than the common meal worm which is Tenebrio molitor. I've seen it all over the net about the growth hormone stuff, and have yet to see any actual proof of it. A few sites say that the Zophobas are ok, but the giant Tenebrio are the ones with the hormones - again, no proof cited. Anyway, most things say that the growth hormones make them sterile, but I've been producing my own superworms for some time and am quite sure they are not sterile. :)

Rav

[Nancy]

I read about them being sterile also. I guess I'll just buy some and try raising my own. If it works then I know mine are safe.

[CoquiMom]

I have read that if you put them one to a film canister they will breed. Of course I have heard that they are full of steroids and are sterile.

I personally just have a mealie farm of regular large mealies, no superworms due to the commitment involved. I'd rather spend my time with the hedgies not breeding my worms. :)

[Ravnos]

They will morph into large black beetles (that look nothing like regular meal worm beetles, btw) if you seperate them out into small groups. If you put them all into containers alone you're not gonna get much - maybe thats why people think they're sterile. :)

Rav