mealworm

[meel-wurm]

noun

1. the larva of any of several darkling beetles of the genus Tenebrio, which infests granaries and is used as food for birds and animals.

mealworm

/ ˈmiːlˌwɜːm /

noun

1. the larva of various beetles of the genus Tenebrio, esp T. molitor, feeding on meal, flour, and similar stored foods: family Tenebrionidae

Word History and Origins

Origin of mealworm¹

First recorded in 1650–60; meal ² + worm

Example Sentences

After 30 days, the research team found the mealworms ate about half the microplastics available, about 150 particles per insect, and gained weight.

From Science Daily

Mazac, a sustainability researcher at the Stockholm Resilience Centre, is among the scientists that have attempted to quantify the carbon footprint of producing things like crickets, mealworms and black soldier flies on an industrial scale.

From Salon

She put on throwaway gloves, then cleaned my potty corner, changed my bedding, gave me fresh water and finally—oh, joy!—gave me fresh grain, some lettuce and mealworms.

From Literature

Tan hopes that the mealworms, tiny balls of suet and sunflower chips she leaves on the patio will ensure more fledglings reach adulthood.

From Seattle Times

Dried crickets received formal approval for use in adult dog food in January, and mealworms received tentative approval the same month.

From Seattle Times