Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I lost two lizards to coccidia and decided to try and breed my own mealworms. The mealworms all turned into black beetles. I am new at this and I don't know if this is normal. Is it?

The mealworm is the larvae form of a darkling beetle. The beetle's should lay eggs and you should start getting mealworms, just continue to give them something for moisture and food. Just one question what are u feeding the mealworms to, from what i've seen beardie's aren't supposed to eat them to any degree, I have them for my leopard gecko's and crickets for the beardie
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0.0.2 Res
0.0.1 Reeves
1.1.2 Leopard Geckos

Why would mealworms be ok for geckos and not for beardies?

Mealworms are fine for beardies that aren't babies. And should be given in limited supply when fed. The high chitin content (hard shell) makes them hard to digest and having too many in the beardies system could cause a blockage or an upset tummy. Silkies are also easy to breed and are much better for beardies - more calcium and a no hard outer shell. Just a though.

~Veronica
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Beautiful Dragons

yumm

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Bennett

Home Of The Florida Orange
www.beardiedragon.com

Freaky looking, but very Cool !
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Eve

I'm not entirely sure of the reasons but beardies seem to have impaction problems because of mealworms exoskeleton but for care of leopard gecko's mealworms are usually the recommended staple
diet. My only thought is differences in digestive tracts between them
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0.0.2 Res
0.0.1 Reeves
1.1.2 Leopard Geckos