Ⅰ Phylum- Arthropoda;           Class-Insecta;          Order- Coleoptera

Ⅱ Identifying Features

Ⅲ Nutrition

Yellow mealworm contains many minerals e.g. phosphorus, potassium, iron, sodium, aluminum etc. and various microelement, also with 16 kinds essential amino acids for animal growth, each 100g dried mealworm contains amino acid up to 847.91 mgs, protein content up to 50-60%, fat content up to 30%, its nutrient composition stands top one among kinds of animal feed, which is superior food for poultry, birds, snakes and aquatic animal etc.

Ⅳ Appearance (Morphology)
Adult Beetle 

Black with hardened front wings (elytra)
Antennae arise under ridge near eyes
Antennae many-segmented, enlarging near tip
Shape quite variable, from almost parallel-sided to round
Head visible from top, followed by pronotum and elytra about same width

Mealworm (larva) averages an inch in length. They have a tough yellowish brown exoskeleton and are cylindrical.

Adult Males and Females It’s difficult to tell the difference between the males and females without a microscope and dissection.

Ⅴ Immature (different stages)

The larval stage (referred to generally as mealworms) is worm-like and somewhat hardened for burrowing.The egg is white. The pupa is 1/2 to 3/4" long., whiteinitially then darkening just before the beetle merges.Length of the life cycle is 3-5 months. The larval stage may molt 9-20 times.

Packing dried mealworms requires careful consideration to maintain their freshness, quality, and prevent contamination. Here's a recommended packing method for dried mealworms:

1. Use Airtight Packaging:

• Pack the dried mealworms in airtight bags or containers. A vacuum-sealed bag or a bag with a zip-lock mechanism can help keep air out, preserving the freshness of the mealworms.

2. Avoid Moisture:

• Ensure that the packaging material is moisture-proof. Moisture can lead to the growth of mold and spoil the mealworms. Use moisture-resistant bags or add desiccant packs to absorb any moisture.

3. Protect from Light:

• Store the packaged mealworms away from direct sunlight. Exposure to light can degrade the quality of the mealworms over time. Use opaque or dark-colored packaging to block out light.

4. Proper Portion Sizes:

• Consider packaging the mealworms in smaller portion sizes. This helps in maintaining freshness as the entire pack won't be exposed to air every time it's opened. Individual or small-sized portions are convenient for pet owners.

5. Labeling:

• Clearly label the packaging with product information, including the type of mealworms, weight, expiration date (if applicable), and any specific feeding instructions. Proper labeling is essential for consumers, especially for pet food products.

6. Quality Control:

• Implement quality control measures to ensure that the mealworms are thoroughly dried and free from contaminants before packing. Regular inspections and quality checks are crucial to maintaining the product's integrity.

7. Protective Palletizing (for bulk shipments):

• If shipping in bulk quantities, palletize the bags or containers properly. Use stretch wrap to secure the bags or containers on the pallets and protect them from dirt, moisture, and other contaminants during transit.

8. Storage Conditions:

• Store the packaged mealworms in a cool, dry place. Proper storage conditions are essential to maintaining their quality. Avoid storing them in areas with high humidity or temperature fluctuations.

9. Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure that the packaging complies with relevant regulations and standards, especially if you are selling mealworms as pet food. Adhere to food safety guidelines and regulations applicable in your region.

By following these packing methods, you can ensure that dried mealworms remain fresh, safe, and of high quality for consumers and their pets.