Tenebrio molitor, Yellow Mealworm Beetle

Common Name: Yellow Mealworm Beetle

Tenebrio molitor, more commonly known as the Yellow Mealworm Beetle, is considered a scavenger and is amongst the largest insects that infest stored products. Most prefer to feed on decaying grain or milled cereals in damp, poor conditions. These insects are usually found in places not frequently disturbed such as dark corners, under sacks, in bins and where feed is stored.

Indoors, they are usually found in basements or at ground level, sometimes infesting cornmeal, flour, cake mixes, cereals, meat scraps, dead insects, bran and litter from chicken houses, they have even been found in sparrow's nests where they feed on the droppings.

Mealworms have been found living under old carpeting and in straw-stuffed chairs in damp areas. Yellow mealworm larvae are sometimes known as "golden grubs" and make excellent fish bait and serve as food for animals in aquariums and zoological parks as well as wild bird food.

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