Mealworms

insects · beetles · larvae · survival

Beetle babies. Mealworms are actually baby beetles called larvae, not worms at all. When they grow up, they transform into yellow mealworm beetles.

Grain munchers. In nature, mealworms love to eat grains, flour, and decaying plant matter, which is why they sometimes show up in pantries.

Amazing transformation. Mealworms go through a wild life cycle, changing from tiny eggs to wormy larvae to pupae, and finally becoming hard-shelled adult beetles.

Future food. Scientists are excited about farming mealworms because they convert plant food into protein super efficiently, making them a sustainable food for people and animals.

Packed with protein. These little creatures are loaded with protein and nutrients, which is why researchers think they could help feed Earth's growing population.