Meal Worms - Cup (Live)

The easy-keeping staple feeder. Meal worms (Tenebrio molitor) are the go-to live feeder for reptiles, amphibians, birds, and larger fish. They are firm, protein-rich, and simple to store, which makes them a reliable everyday staple in the feeding rotation. Each cup is packed with lively, ready-to-feed worms in bedding.

Want a bigger, higher-fat treat feeder? Pair these with our Super Worms and browse the rest of our reptile & amphibian supplies.

Choose Your Size

Giant meal worms are the same species as our Medium and Large, just grown to a larger size. As a general rule, feed worms no longer than the space between your pet's eyes.

What Eats Meal Worms

Meal worms are one of the most widely accepted feeder insects in the hobby. Common eaters include:

• Lizards: bearded dragons, leopard geckos, skinks, tegus, and anoles
• Turtles: box turtles and aquatic turtles as part of a varied diet
• Amphibians: larger frogs, toads, and salamanders
• Fish: larger cichlids, catfish, and other big community or pond fish
• Birds and backyard flocks: bluebirds, robins, and chickens

Feeding Tips

• Match the size to your pet. Use worms no longer than the width between your pet's eyes to avoid choking or impaction.
• Dust for reptiles. Coat worms with a calcium or multivitamin supplement before feeding to support strong bones. A gel topper like Repashy Beardie Buffet adds variety alongside them.
• Gut load first. Feed the worms fresh vegetables for a day before offering them, so your pet gets that nutrition too.
• Feed as a staple or rotation. Meal worms work as an everyday feeder, and mixing in other insects keeps the diet balanced.

Keeping Them Alive

Meal worms are one of the easiest feeders to store, and unlike super worms they can be refrigerated to make them last.

• Refrigeration is fine. Keep the cup in the refrigerator at about 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit to slow the worms down and extend their life for weeks. This is the key difference from super worms, which must never be refrigerated.
• Warm them before feeding. Let refrigerated worms return to room temperature so they wiggle and trigger your pet's feeding response.
• Feed and moisten. Add a slice of carrot or potato for moisture, and remove old food so the bedding stays dry.
• Keep them ventilated. Store in a container with air holes and pick out any dark or inactive worms.

Specifications

Recommended Pairings

• Super Worms - Cup (Live) for a larger, higher-fat treat feeder
• Xtreme Aquatic Reptile & Amphibian Sticks for a balanced prepared staple
• Repashy Beardie Buffet for a gel supplement and topper
• Browse all reptile & amphibian supplies

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I refrigerate meal worms?
Yes. Keeping them in the refrigerator at about 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit slows them down and keeps them fresh for weeks. Bring them back to room temperature before feeding. Super worms are the opposite, so never refrigerate those.

What is the difference between meal worms and super worms?
Meal worms are smaller, firmer, and can be refrigerated, which makes them an easy everyday staple. Super worms are bigger, softer, and higher in fat, which makes them a great treat or growth feeder. Many keepers use both.

Which size should I choose?
Match the worm to your pet. Medium suits juveniles and smaller reptiles, Large is the everyday all-rounder, and Giant is best for bearded dragons and larger lizards.

Do you ship live meal worms?
No. Live feeders are in-store pickup only so they stay healthy. Reserve online and pick up in the shop.