Superworms are relatively high in protein and fat, which make them attractive pet feed for captive reptiles, amphibians, fish, and birds. The nutritional profile of the larvae is "46.80% proteins, 43.64% lipids, 8.17% ashes and 1.39% carbohydrates." Relationship with humans As pet feed Īs with the popular mealworm, Zophobas morio larvae (commonly known as superworms) are widely used in pet care, more specifically as feed. The larvae are odor-free (but the beetles possess a pungent chemical defense that may be released when provoked), and can be easily contained, making them ideal for raising at home to feed a collection of captive insectivores. In some cases they are preferred over mealworms due to their softer exoskeleton, making them more digestible to some reptiles. Their nutritional values are similar to those of mealworms, so it is possible that supplementation with calcium is necessary if they are used as a staple food item. Superworms are accepted by lizards, turtles, frogs, salamanders, birds, koi and other insectivorous animals. They will then, upon maturation, emerge from their pupal stage as darkling beetles. To mature the superworms, they must be kept alone for about 7–10 days. Keeping superworms this way is commonly used to hinder pupation. The larvae will not pupate if kept in a container with many other larvae and plentiful food, where they receive constant bodily contact. Once they reach adult size, the larvae pupate, and later emerge as large, light coloured beetles, which in time darken to black. The larvae resemble very large mealworms, about 50 to 60 mm (1.7–2.25 in) long when full size, but unlike mealworms, the ends of their bodies are very dark, almost resembling a black color.
Superworms are common in the reptile pet industry as food, along with giant mealworms, which are Tenebrio molitor larvae sprayed with juvenile hormone. Zophobas morio is a species of darkling beetle, whose larvae are known by the common name superworm, kingworm, morio worm or simply Zophobas.
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