What is a Lesser Mealworm?

Lesser mealworms, also known as buffalo provide similar nutritional benefits as regular mealworms, for instance, being protein-rich, high in fibre and minerals. What makes them different is that they grow to a maximum size of 8mm and have a softer exo-skeleton, making them a suitable pet feed for smaller animals such as betta fishes and frogs. Interesting fact: their protein hydrolysates contain antioxidant and antihypertensive activities.

Behaviorally, they cohabit with other insects and ingest undigested leftover food materials from frass, making them a good “cleaner species”.

Lesser mealworms are vectors to poultry pathogens and parasites, and should be kept isolated within the enclosures of your feeders. Ensure that the sides of the enclosure is a smooth solid surface without holes, like plastic or glass, to prevent them from climbing and escaping. They also like to reside in damp environments, so ensure that a water source is given to them at least once a week.

Being a real hardy species, they also multiply quickly, so keep a lookout for when you need to clear them out so that they don’t compete with your live feeders for food!