Advances in mass breeding/rearing techniques for yellow mealworms as a protein source

Publication date: 11/02/2025
Extent: 14 pages

Contributions by: David Deruytter, Carl Coudron and Jonas Claeys, Insect Research Centre, Belgium

Chapter synopsis:

In recent years, the yellow mealworm has undergone a significant transformation, from a global pest species to a prominent insect species for feed and food purposes. However, farming mealworms is still a relatively new business venture, offering ample opportunities for optimization and innovation. This chapter aims to explore yellow mealworm rearing techniques. The authors begin by discussing the mealworm life cycle, followed by the sort of environments needed to effeciently rear mealworms. They then go into detail about the rearing of different life stages of mealworm, including egg production and handly, growing the larvae, pupation, and beetle population. Finally, they explore challenges to scaling up production and the design of rearing facilities.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2024.0139.07