A fantastic and nutritious feeder insect for a wide range of reptiles and amphibians, superworms are a popular choice for pet owners seeking a high-protein, high-fat option. This detailed superworm care guide will show you how to properly store and maintain your Reptile Deli superworms to ensure they are healthy, robust, and provide optimal nutrition for your pet.

Why Choose Superworms?

Superworms (Zophobas morio), the larval stage of the darkling beetle, are a favorite in the reptile community for several key reasons:

• Nutritional Value: Superworms are a great source of protein, fat, and fiber, making them an excellent choice for pets that need to gain weight or simply require a more calorie-dense food. They are particularly favored for their softer exoskeleton compared to mealworms, which makes them easier to digest.
• Encourage Hunting: Their size and high activity level make them an appealing target for insectivorous pets. Their constant wiggling and burrowing stimulate natural hunting instincts in reptiles like bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and chameleons.
• Convenient & Easy to Care For: Unlike some other feeders, superworms don't need to be kept in the refrigerator. They are low-maintenance and can be stored at room temperature, making them readily available for feeding.

Housing Your Reptile Deli Superworms

Proper housing is essential to keep your superworms alive and healthy for weeks or even months.

• Container: A simple, smooth-sided plastic container with a secure lid and ample ventilation is all you need. The smooth sides prevent the worms from climbing out. A 5-gallon plastic tub or a storage container with air holes cut into the lid and covered with fine mesh works perfectly.
• Substrate: The substrate serves as both bedding and food for your superworms. A layer of about 1-2 inches of wheat bran, oatmeal, or a commercial superworm bedding is ideal. The worms will burrow into this material, feeding on it as they go. It's important to use unflavored, dry grains.
• No Refrigeration! This is the most crucial rule of superworm care. Unlike mealworms, superworms will die if placed in the refrigerator. They must be kept at room temperature, ideally between 70-85°F (21−29∘C).

Feeding and Hydration

To ensure your Reptile Deli superworms are as nutritious as possible, you must properly gut-load them before feeding them to your pet.

• Food: The substrate (bran or oatmeal) is their primary food source. As the worms consume it, they will leave behind droppings called "frass," which looks like fine sawdust. You'll need to periodically add more substrate to keep them well-fed.
• Hydration: Superworms get all the water they need from fresh fruits and vegetables. Do not use a water bowl, as they can easily drown and the moisture will cause the substrate to mold. Instead, place a few thin slices of a hydrating vegetable on top of the substrate. Excellent choices include:
• Carrots
• Potatoes
• Zucchini
• Sweet Potato
• Squash
• Gut-Loading: For 24-48 hours before feeding, provide your superworms with nutritious foods such as leafy greens, apples, or a commercial gut-load diet. This transfers essential vitamins and minerals to your reptile, making the meal much more beneficial.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Spot Cleaning: Remove any old, uneaten fruits or vegetables after 24-48 hours to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
• Frass Removal: The frass at the bottom of the container can be sifted out periodically to keep the enclosure clean.
• Pupation: If a superworm is kept in isolation from other superworms, it may enter its pupal stage and eventually transform into a darkling beetle. Keeping them in a group generally prevents this, but you can also separate them into individual containers if you wish to breed your own beetles.
• Health Check: Healthy superworms are active and have a firm body. If you notice any black or shriveled worms, remove them immediately to prevent the spread of bacteria.

By following this superworm care guide, you'll be able to keep a thriving supply of these nutritious feeders on hand, ensuring your pet enjoys a healthy, satisfying, and enriching diet from Reptile Deli.