{"id":1210,"date":"2019-09-12T18:49:59","date_gmt":"2019-09-12T18:49:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/reptilefollower.com\/?p=1210"},"modified":"2019-09-12T18:49:59","modified_gmt":"2019-09-12T18:49:59","slug":"superworm-vs-mealworm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reptilefollower.com\/superworm-vs-mealworm\/","title":{"rendered":"Superworm vs Mealworm for Lizards (Difference\/Size\/Nutrition)"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are thinking of feeding your lizards the best insects, you may be wondering if you should choose Superworms (Click here for the price of my best Superworm selection, on Amazon<\/a>) or Mealworms. Let me explain…<\/p>\n

What’s the difference between a Superworm and Mealworm? Superworms are typically five times bigger than Mealworms. They can last as Larvae (which is the state most Lizard keepers favor) longer, but Mealworms have the added benefit of being able to be refrigerated for storage.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now that you know the general differences, let me explain in more detail. Such as how Giant Mealworms size up to Superworms, the nutritional differences and much more. Keep reading.<\/p>\n

What’s the difference between a Superworm and Mealworm?<\/h2>\n

In this section, I am going to summerise the main differences between a Superworm & Mealworm. At a glance, they can seem very similar, if not the same. Especially when you compare the Superworm to the Giant Mealworm (more on that later).<\/p>\n

About 5 Times Bigger<\/h3>\n

One of the more obvious differences is the size. But, before I continue, let me clarify, I am comparing the standard Mealworm with the Superworm, ok?<\/p>\n

One of the major reasons for this size difference is the extra Chitin, as well as their shell. The downfall of this (well, for your lizard) is, they appear bigger, but they have less meat. However, they make up for this with a higher level of Calcium, Fiber and also fat.<\/p>\n

What is Chitin, by the way?<\/h4>\n

According to the Oxford Dictionary<\/a>, Its a fiber type substance that contains polysaccharides.<\/p>\n

Not able to refrigerate<\/h3>\n

One of the biggest drawbacks with Superworms, when comparing them to Mealworms, is the fact that you can not refrigerate them.<\/p>\n

But, why would you want to do that?\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Simple, to prolong their lifespan in storage. When Mealworms are put in the fridge, they can last a long while. They will stay in a larvae state, in storage. Giving you time to feed them to your lizard. However, this is not possible with Superworms (More on this later).<\/p>\n

What is a Mealworm, anyway?<\/h2>\n

\"Mealworm<\/p>\n

Before we go any further, let me explain exactly what is a Mealworm. To make sure we are on the same page. According to Wikipedia<\/a>, Mealworms (Tenebrio Molitor) <\/span><\/i>are Mealworm Beetles in their Larvae form. This Beetle is known to be a species of the darkling Beetle.<\/span><\/p>\n

This beetle has four key stages of growth, with one of them relevant to this article (the Larvae stage):<\/p>\n