Feeding Mealworms to Exotic Invertebrates: A Staple Feeder for Tarantulas, Scorpions & More

jwalkerbidoxnard
Jun 9
2 min read

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Greenbottle Blue Tarantula : Chromatopelma-Cyaneopubescens

If you keep predatory spiders, scorpions, or insectivorous inverts like mantises and assassin bugs, you already know how important live prey is to their care. For keepers of exotic pets, mealworms offer the perfect blend of nutrition, movement, and convenience.

Whether you're an experienced arachnid enthusiast or just starting your collection, mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) are a go-to feeder insect that’s easy to store and widely accepted across many species.

Why Mealworms Are Ideal for Predatory Invertebrates

Mealworms are a great base or rotation feeder in any invertebrate collection because they offer:

🥩 High protein content (great for growth and molting)
🕷️ Stimulating movement that triggers natural hunting behaviors
🐛 Long shelf life and easy maintenance
🌿 Can be gut-loaded to pass on extra nutrition

From tarantulas to mantids, many inverts benefit from having a mealworm tossed into their enclosure once or twice a week—providing both nutrition and mental stimulation.

Who Eats Mealworms?

Live mealworms are suitable for a wide range of inverts and insectivores:

✅ Tarantulas (especially terrestrial species)
✅ Scorpions (emperors, arizonesis, bark scorpions, etc.)
✅ Praying mantises
✅ Assassin bugs
✅ Whip spiders & amblypygids
✅ Many exotic beetles and other predatory insects

Just be sure to size your mealworms correctly—tiny inverts may prefer mealworm pupae or freshly molted larvae (soft-bodied).

Feeding Tips

Feed 1–2 times per week for adult inverts
Use tongs or tweezers to place worms near the animal
Remove uneaten mealworms after 24 hours to avoid burrowing
You can crush the heads to slow them down and reduce burrowing risk
Gut-load your mealworms 24 hours before feeding for added nutrition

Mealworms can also be used to transition picky eaters or offer a varied diet alongside crickets, roaches, or waxworms.

🛒 Keep Your Inverts Fed with a Monthly Mealworm Subscription

At Solvang Mealworm Company, we understand the needs of exotic pet keepers. That’s why we created a subscription specifically for arachnids, predatory insects, and other exotic inverts.

Our Exotic Invertebrate Plan: