Zophobas atratus
In 3 days ~10% in a week ~20%
Zophobas atratus, the giant mealworm beetle, is a species of darkling beetle, whose larvae are known by the common name superworm, kingworm, barley worm, and morio worm. Superworms are common in the reptile pet industry as food, along with giant mealworms (Tenebrio molitor larvae treated with juvenile hormone).
The larvae resemble very large mealworms, about 50 to 60 mm (2.0 to 2.4 in) long when full size, but unlike mealworms, the ends of their bodies are very dark, almost black. Once they reach sufficient maturity, the larvae go stiff and still in a "C" shape to pupate. They emerge 1-3 weeks later with a white to light brown colour; eventually darkening to black. Pupation is commonly delayed by keeping larvae in high density with other larvae and plentiful food, and can be resumed by isolating larvae for 7–10 days. They will then pupate and, upon maturation, emerge as darkling beetles.
Zophobas atratus is generally accepted by captive lizards, turtles, frogs, salamanders, birds, koi and other insectivorous animals. Their nutritional values are similar to those of mealworms, so it is possible that supplementation with calcium is necessary if they are used as a staple food item. In some cases they are preferred over mealworms due to their softer exoskeleton, making them more digestible to some reptiles. The larvae are odor-free, but the adult beetles possess a pungent chemical defense that may be released when provoked. Zophobas atratus can easily be contained, making them ideal for breeding to feed a collection of captive insectivores. The nutritional profile of the larvae is "46.80% proteins, 43.64% lipids, 8.17% ashes and 1.39% carbohydrates." Wikipedia →
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|
More parks will be added in future updates.
| # | City | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rio de Janeiro | 🇧🇷 Brazil | |
| 2 | São Paulo | 🇧🇷 Brazil | |
| 3 | Los Angeles | 🇺🇸 United States |
Rare
Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Giant Mealworm Beetle sighting in São Paulo on a given day, based on 6 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data. It is the 672nd most-seen of the 832 insects we can rate there. Over three days the chance rises to about 10%, and over a week to about 20%, if each day is a fresh chance.
Any time of year
In every month with enough records, under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Giant Mealworm Beetle in São Paulo on a given day, so our monthly data shows no clear season.
Among the best
Of the 3 cities where we can rate Giant Mealworm Beetle sightings, São Paulo ranks 2nd at under 5%, level with the leaders once rounded. The best odds are in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil, under 5%).
GBIF citizen-science records
It is estimated from how often the Giant Mealworm Beetle is recorded against all the insects logged in São Paulo (6 verified sightings), calibrated against known sighting rates. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10% because citizen-science data supports honest approximations, not decimals, and months with records from fewer than five people show "—". How it works.
