“Although a tremendous amount of research is directed to the relative species Tenebrio molitor (yellow mealworm), Z. “The aim of this paper is to highlight the significance of a usually overlooked insect species,” says Rumbos. The authors, however, believe superworms deserve much more attention. Superworms are also sold extensively by pet stores as treats for lizards and some birds. Zophobas morio is consumed by humans in some countries, such as Mexico and Thailand. Rumbos and Athanassiou organized a new special collection on insects as food and feed in the open-access Journal of Insect Science. Here, Rumbos inspects insect rearing trays at the university.

Athanassiou, Ph.D., study the mass production of mealworms for uses as food and feed. Rumbos, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Thessaly in Volos, Greece. molitor is virtually a black speck by comparison at only 12 to 25 millimeters.Ĭhristos I. Zophobas morio adults measure up to 57 millimeters long, while T.

Both mealworms are larvae of different darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae). morio, pupation can be delayed merely by overcrowding. The hormone prevents the yellow mealworm from pupating, and thus prolongs growth. Athanassiou, Ph.D., both of the University of Thessaly in Volos, Greece. Rumbos, Ph.D, who authored the paper with Christos G. “The term ‘giant mealworm’ is used also to describe juvenile hormone–treated larvae of the yellow mealworm ( Tenebrio molitor),” says Christos I. morio is part of a new special collection in the Journal of Insect Science, titled “ Insects as Food and Feed: If You Can’t Beat Them, Eat Them!”Ī caveat about nomenclature is required here. This species also shows promise for use in animal health and coping with the world’s plastic waste problem. However, there is even more to it than that. morio to be “a well-promising insect-based protein source,” whose potential still remains to be seen. So say Greek scientists who reviewed research on Zophobas morio, the so-called “giant mealworm” or “superworm,” in a paper published in April in the open-access Journal of Insect Science. Even your reputation as top trout bait could be threatened. A bigger, brawnier cousin could threaten your position as a go-to food for backyard bluebirds, pet parrots and lizards, and even tree shrews in zoos, as well as a potential protein source for people, farmed fish, and livestock. Look out, yellow mealworm-you have competition.

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