Superworm Life Stages
Zophobas Morio (superworms) have 4 life stages;
Egg, Larva, Pupa, and Beetle.
Superworm Eggs are extremely tiny (about 1/20"). Once laid, eggs will hatch in
7 - 10 days.
Superworm Larva are the 'worm' stage and are what we feed our pets. They begin as
very tiny and difficult to see and grow quickly up to 2 - 2 1/2" long. They are
white worms with a brown banded exo-skeleton called 'chitin'. Superworm larva live
in this stage for about a year when well cared for, but can be forced to pupate as
soon as 4 months or at least 2".
Superworm Pupa are at the stage between larva and beetle. This stage lasts 14 - 20
days before the pupa become beetles. Pupa don't eat or move (they will wiggle if
bothered), and all energy is spent on metamorphisis.
Superworm Beetles are white, then red, then darken to black within 24 hours of
becoming beetles. They are relatively large beetles at about 1" long. Female
beetles are larger than the males and lay approx. 500 eggs in a lifetime - of
which around 50 will hatch. The beetles will live for 4 - 5 months and breed
continuously. The pregnant female has a large abdomen which forces the wings
slightly open, making pregnant females easy to spot. Beetles prefer dark areas
and will spend the majority of their time hiding, unless they are looking for food.
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