Live Meal Worms from Uncle Jim's Worm Farm

Mealworm anatomy From Uncle Jim's Worm Farm!

Just like anything living system, there is a specific anatomy that structures this design, and live mealworms are no different. They have a very specific anatomy, tailored to their very specific needs. The anatomy of a mealworm can be a little surprising, as they are often considered as yellowish forms of worms. But after a closer look, it is obvious that mealworms have segmented bodies, similar to insects, share 6 legs, contain antenae, and even flex a grigging pair of mandibles.

To begin, let's focus on the mealworms' head. Rather than just displaying a single orifice, the head of a mealworm can present a multitude of attributes. Unlike worms, a mealworms does have a pair of eyes, known as “larval eyes,” because of the larva stage the mealworms is in. Beneath the eyes, a mealworms will have a labrum, which acts as the lip over top the mealworms' mouth. Because the mealworms don't have complex eyes, they rely on other sensory organs to help them distinguish where they should be headed, such has antennas. Instead of being positioned directly on top of the mealworms' head, the antennas are located near the jowls of the mealworm, close to the cheeks. This doesn't offer the range that typical, topical antennas offers. But, nevertheless, it does suffice more than not having any. And most prominent, the children's favorite, the menacing mandibles protruding from the sides of the mouth. To the dismay of the destruction happy kids, these mandibles don't slice and destroy like cartoons and movies would make them appear. Instead, they are really efficient grabbers, strongly holding onto food, which then slowly feeds to the mouth.

Progressing further down the mealworms' body is the thorax. The thorax is a segmented part, with each segment containing a pair of legs. The mealworm legs are not great for walking, however, they are great for digging. The thorax of a mealworms is protected with a strong armor like shell known as an exoskeleton. And then what that exoskeleton is protecting are various organs that lay inside the thorax, typically major organs and reproduction glands.

Progressing further, towards then, we're presented with the abdomen. The abdomen is the largest part of the mealworm, consisting of 3/5^th of its body. The abdomen has no legs or complex facial sensors. Instead, the abdomen is filled with a digestive track, that then leads to the anus. The mealworms' abdomen is filled the rest of the way with lots of fat, which the mealworm relies on, so that they can then transform in the pupa stage of their metamorphosis.

After analyzing the anatomy of a mealworm, it becomes easy to understand why so many birds and reptiles crave them for food. With a body full of fat, carbs, and proteins, any growing, hungry bird or reptile would immediately consume mealworms for the essential nutrients they require for survival. Knowing their nutritional value, it is important to know where a pet owner can find these natural delicacies. The internet is the simplest solution, and Uncle Jim's Worm Farm is the ideal and premier destination to locate a healthy source of mealworms.  Review Uncle Jim's Worm Farm for live mealworms year-round, and guarantee live shipments by limiting shipments to depart on Mondays.