Live Mealworm FAQs

Live mealworms are a nutritious, protein-packed feeder insect for a wide variety of exotic pets. At Exotic Nutrition, we take pride in providing the highest quality live mealworms—always fresh and never stored for long periods before shipping. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from customers.

Why do the mealworms seem smaller this week?

Mealworm size can vary from week to week due to several factors, including weather, season, and the volume of orders. Rest assured, all of our Live Mealworms are shipped fresh—never left over from one week to the next or packed days in advance. Each batch is graded for consistent sizing within that shipment, though they may not always match the size from a previous week.

How are Mighty Mealys different from Superworms?

• Mighty Mealys are still mealworms—the same species (Tenebrio molitor) as our standard mealworms, just grown to a larger size.

• Superworms are an entirely different species, the larvae of another type of beetle.

• Despite the name, none of these are actually worms—they are all larvae in the insect life cycle. (The exception is crickets, which are sold in their adult stage.)

How do I store mealworms for a long period?

Mealworms are the larvae of darkling beetles, and to keep them in this stage for feeding, they must be stored properly.

• Place them in a refrigerator to slow their metamorphosis and keep them dormant.

• They will remain usable for 6–10 weeks if stored correctly.

• Once per week, remove them from the fridge, allow them to reach room temperature, and offer a small piece of carrot for 12 hours (you may also use lettuce, apples, or other vegetables, but we recommend carrots).

• Remove the food and return the mealworms to the refrigerator. Repeat every 2–3 weeks.

For customers interested in raising their own mealworms at home, our Mealworm Breeder Kit makes it simple and convenient.

What if my package was left in the sun (or cold) and the mealworms died?

Because these are live animals, it’s the customer’s responsibility to ensure prompt receipt of the package. If left in extreme heat, cold, or direct sunlight, the insects may not survive. Unfortunately, we cannot offer replacements for packages left unattended.

If you won’t be home during delivery, we recommend shipping to a work address, friend, or relative to ensure someone is available to receive the package. Please take a moment to review our Live Mealworm Guarantee.

When are Internet orders shipped?

Most Internet orders are shipped the next business day. During periods of high demand, processing may take slightly longer, but we always prioritize current customers.

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Notice: Exotic Nutrition cannot provide specific care guidelines on an individual basis. Please consult a veterinarian or experienced breeder.

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