DOCSLIB.ORG

EPPO Bulletin E-Mail to Hq@Eppo

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
EPPO Bulletin E-Mail to Hq@Eppo Entomology and Applied Science Letters Volume 6, Issue 1, Page No: 1-7 Copyright CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Available Online at: www.easletters.com ISSN No: 2349-2864 Zophobas Morio Semiindustrial Cultivation Peculiarities Nagdalian, Andrey Ashotovich1, Pushkin, Sergey Viktorovich1, Rzhepakovsky, Igor Vladimirovich1, Povetkin, Sergey Nikolaevich1, Simonov, Alexander Nikolaevich2, Verevkina Marina Nikolaevna2, Ziruk Irina Vladimirovna3 1 North Caucasus Federal University, Russian Federation. 2Stavropol State Agrarian University, Russian Federation. 3Saratov State Agrarian University of N.I.Vavilov. Russian Federation. ABSTRACT In order to develop various Zophobas morio cultivation ways, the experiments were conducted to find out the optimal storage and reproduction conditions. Based on the acquired data, the Zophobas morio cultivation technology was developed. The dependencies were found between different fodder substances and the speci- mens’ growth and reproduction rates. The optimal cultivation fodder substance was also found. Keywords: Zophobas Morio, Insect, Larvae, Cultivation, Imago, Population. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Nagdalian, Andrey Ashotovich, Pushkin, Sergey Viktorovich, Rzhepakovsky, Igor Vladimirovich, Pov- etkin, Sergey Nikolaevich, Simonov, Alexander Niko-laevich, Verevkina Marina Nikolaevna, Ziruk Irina Vladimirovna; Zophobas Mo- rio Semiindustrial Cultivation Peculiarities, Entomol Appl Sci Lett, 2019, 6 (1): 1-7. Corresponding author: Pushkin S.V. E-mail [email protected]. and antiviral chitosan's properties are widely Received: 05/11/2018 Accepted: 11/03/2019 used in the biomedicine [7, 8]. The insects' bio- conversion ability of various substances justifies INTRODUCTION the interest to the topic, and making them the object of research. Thus, there are certain insect The development and the implementation of the species, i.e. Zophobas Morio, which are capable new efficient fodder additives has become the to convert cellulose fodder into their own pro- leading tendency in the feeding technology im- tein mass [9, 10]. As of now, there is a certain provement and the preventive veterinary technology deficit, in terms of producing the measures of the modern livestock and poultry needed assortment of biologically active com- farming [1, 2]. Most of the insects’ species are pounds, based on cheap and available raw mate- extremely fertile, namely hundreds times more rials of animal or plant origin. That is why a fertile than any subject of the modern livestock need to develop new technologies has arisen, breeding [3, 4]. Insect cultivation and insect- the technologies that enable the researchers to based fodder additives development have been produce and acquire highly efficient broad- very prospective and highly feasible fields. Late- spectrum agents. While the biggest market share ly, the chitin-based compounds, have been con- has belongs to expensive foreign products, it sidered as highly promising in terms of livestock (the market) suffers from the lack of affordable breeding applications. Chitin is the main sub- Russian-made compounds. That is why the re- stance of the insect cuticle [5]. The chitosan, chi- searches aimed at fodder production issues res- tin's de-acetylated form is the most biologically olution, including the fodder base improvement, active of all its (chitin's) derivatives. Those are and new fodder additives development is par- natural polymers, they are characterized by a ticularly actual. Thus, Zophobas morio semi in- high sorption capacity, immune system stimula- dustrial cultivation peculiarities were studied in tion, anti-tumoral, bacteriostatic, and wound this article. healing properties [6]. They are also compatible with the animal tissues. Antibacterial, antifungal, 1 Nagdalian, Andrey Ashotovich et al. Entomol. Appl. Sci. Lett., 2019, 6 (1):1-7 METHODS AND MATERIALS ue of the error in fractions relative to the aver- age (10-20%, i.e. 0.1 or 0.2). To develop an insects cultivation method, 40 kg The adult bug population density was deter- Zophobas morio larvae, which was equivalent to mined by keeping the record of the linear routes 40 000 units from "Zoofond" LLC (from Russian (route recording), as these specimens live main- " ") (Moscow region, Solnech- ly on the surface. The total insect population nogorsk district) was acquired. Insect cultiva- density on the surface can be determined by the ООО Зоофонд tion has been conducted in terrariums, 1.2 kg following formula: larvae each. The terrariums volume was equal to 400 liters, they have been made of sheet glass. P=NSR (3) The larvae differed in size and weight (ranging from 0.6 to 1 g). With an average weight of 0.8 g, where P is the population density per 1m2, N is there were about 1,500 larvae per terrarium. the total number of insects found on the sur- The container was covered with a 20 cm thick veyed surface along the route (only on one side: layer of loose soil with a high content of rotten to the left or to the right of the observer), S is the leaves. The rotten logs were put in this fodder length of the route, R is the width of the sur- substance for the larvae to pupate. The storage veyed surface, in this case 1.11*0.66 m. temperature and humidity corresponded to the The insect survival analysis at different devel- habitat environmental conditions (t = 28-30 °C, opment stages was determined by compiling W = 80-85%). survival tables by the D. K. Varley, D. R. Gradwell The Zophobas morio larvae population density and M. P. Hassel method [11]. was determined by sampling, considering the The qualitative and quantitative of various fod- population size. The optimal sample size was der substances’ influence on the larvae devel- selected in order to ensure the minimum results opment rate and mass growth were studied. The dispersion, and to minimize the labor and time experiment has been conducted in plastic con- costs. The following formula was used to calcu- tainers of 150x200x100 mm size. We used sever- late the number of larvae: al fodder substances: coconut flakes (test group 1); vermiculite (test group 2); saw dust (test P= 2T 2t (1) group 3); oat flakes (test group 4). To create a control group (test group 5), we put larvae in where P внis theмп optimal size of a unit, 2– dis- containers without any fodder substance. The persion within the sample, 2– dispersion be- temperature and humidity were stable during вн tween the samples, T is the time required for a this experiment: t =28°C, W = 80%. мп transition from one unit (sample) to another, t – time to analyze a unit. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION There was a kind of special case here, as the logs were also considered, taken from the cultivation While developing the Zophobas morio potential terrarium, i.e. there was a population density cultivation methods, the experiments were con- dispersion within the soil and between the logs. ducted to find out the optimal conditions for To determine the number of samples that al- storage and reproduction. lowed to draw a conclusion concerning the pop- First of all, in order to get a reference position, ulation size with a certain accuracy, the follow- the natural conditions in a 400 liters terrarium, ing formula was used: glued of glass sheet where the researchers placed 1.2 kg Zophobas morio larvae, were rec- m2 (2) reated. The larvae differed in size and weight (ranging from 0.6 to 1 g). With an average n=t∂ε where n is the required number of samples, t is weight of 0.8 g, there were about 1,500 larvae the Student's test (with an accuracy of 0.8 (error per terrarium. 0.2) is equal to 1.5), is the dispersion, obtained The container was covered with a 20 cm thick during the preliminary study, m is the average layer of loose soil with a high content of rotten δ number of specimens per sample according to leaves. Rotten logs were put in this fodder sub- the results of the preliminary study, is the val- stance for the larvae to pupate. The storage ε 2 Nagdalian, Andrey Ashotovich et al. Entomol. Appl. Sci. Lett., 2019, 6 (1):1-7 temperature and humidity corresponded to the teristics, larvae maturation and pupation timing habitat environmental conditions (t = 28-30 °C, in natural conditions. Figure 1 shows the W = 80-85%). Zophobas morio population density dynamics The main purpose of creating an experimental graph in the constructed terrarium. terrarium was to study the behavioral charac- Fig. 1: Zophobas morio population density dynamics change in the experimental terrarium. According to the graph, the larvae density dur- The adult bugs’ number decreased by the end of ing the placement to the terrarium was equal to the experiment which was most likely connected 120 units / dm3. Over time, the number of units to the struggle within the population. At the per sample began to decrease, which might be same time, since the 70th observation day, there connected with the mature larvae isolation and was a spike in the larval population growth. The preparation for pupation, or with the survival larvae, however, were much smaller, which indi- struggle within the population. It was needed to cated the adult bugs’ reproduction cycle comple- conduct the population mortality analysis to tion. draw more accurate conclusions. Yet, according to the larvae population density The first bugs appeared in the terrarium on 35- change, the growth has reached only 12% of the 40 observation days, then their number in- expected results. Presumably, there was a high creased up to 69 units during the next month. competition for the food, females and the best However, the further period was characterized conditions in the terrarium, thus cannibalism by the static growth of the number of adult spec- arose, especially for the case of the adult beetles imens, and then the fall of their number.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Artikel-Preisliste Käfer
    [email protected] Artikel-Preisliste Tel.: +49 5043 98 99 747 Fax: +49 5043 98 99 749 Weitere Informationen zu unseren Produkten sowie aktuelle Angebote finden Sie in unserem Shop: www.thepetfactory.de Art.-Nr. Artikelbezeichnung Ihr Preis MwSt.-Satz * Käfer - Imagines METUFM Mecynorrhina torquata ugandensis FARBMORPHE - 79,50 € 1 PAAEMI Pachnoda aemula - Stückpreis 9,95 € 1 EUMOI Eudicella morgani - Stückpreis 14,50 € 1 PAMPI Pachnoda marginata peregrina - Stückpreis 3,95 € 1 METIM Mecynorrhina torquata immaculicollis - Stückpreis 34,50 € 1 CETSPK1 Pseudinca camerunensis - Stückpreis 14,95 € 1 PSEMAR Pseudinca marmorata 12,95 € 1 DIMIIM Dicronorhina micans - Pärchen 39,95 € 1 PASFI Pachnoda flaviventris - Stückpreis 6,95 € 1 PRFORMOI Protaetia formosana 11,95 € 1 JURUI Jumnos ruckeri 24,95 € 1 EUSPWI Eudicella schultzeorum pseudowoermanni - Stückpreis 16,95 € 1 COLORI Coelorrhina loricata Imago - Stückpreis 19,95 € 1 ANTSXMA Anthia sexmaculata - Stückpreis 19,50 € 1 PAPRASI Pachnoda prasina 29,95 € 1 PAISKUU Pachnoda iskuulka NEUE ART!!! 29,95 € 1 ZOMOIM Zophobas morio Käfer 3,95 € 1 PRPRPad Protaetia pryeri pryeri 14,95 € 1 CESPECYAAD Cetonischema speciosa cyanochlora 49,95 € 1 - 1 GRAPTRILBRSA 24,95 € 1 ORYSPECRSA Oryctes spec. RSA Paar 49,95 € 1 PASFIRSA Pachnoda flaviventris RSA WC 11,95 € 1 DISRUFRSA Dischista rufa RSA WC 14,95 € 1 PORHEBRSA Porphyronota hebreae RSA 29,95 € 1 PLAPLARSA Plaesiorrhinella plana RSA 12,50 € 1 ANTBIGUVRSA Anthia biguttata var. RSA 29,50 € 1 ANTBIGURSA Anthia biguttata RSA 29,50 € 1 CYALRSA Cypholoba alveolata RSA 44,95 € 1 ANSCULRSA Anomalipus sculpturatus RSA 24,50 € 1 ANTMAXRSA Anthia maxillosa RSA 44,95 € 1 CYPGRAPRSA Cypholoba graphipteroides RSA 22,50 € 1 TEFMEYRSA Tefflus meyerlei RSA 27,95 € 1 PLATRIVRSA Plaesiorrhinella trivittata RSA 12,50 € 1 ANELERSA Anomalipus elephas RSA 24,50 € 1 GONOTIBRSA Gonopus tibialis RSA 24,50 € 1 PSAMVIRRSA Psammodes virago TOKTOK RSA 29,95 € 1 ANSPEC1RSA Anomalipus spec.
    [Show full text]
  • Antimicrobial Effect of Zophobas Morio Hemolymph Against Bovine
    microorganisms Article Antimicrobial Effect of Zophobas morio Hemolymph against Bovine Mastitis Pathogens Mengze Du y, Xiaodan Liu y, Jiajia Xu , Shuxian Li, Shenghua Wang, Yaohong Zhu and Jiufeng Wang * Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; [email protected] (M.D.); [email protected] (X.L.); [email protected] (J.X.); [email protected] (S.L.); [email protected] (S.W.); [email protected] (Y.Z.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +86-1355-221-6698 These authors contributed equally to this work. y Received: 2 September 2020; Accepted: 25 September 2020; Published: 28 September 2020 Abstract: Coliforms and Staphylococcus spp. infections are the leading causes of bovine mastitis. Despite extensive research and development in antibiotics, they have remained inadequately effective in treating bovine mastitis induced by multiple pathogen infection. In the present study, we showed the protective effect of Zophobas morio (Z. morio) hemolymph on bovine mammary epithelial cells against bacterial infection. Z. morio hemolymph directly kills both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria through membrane permeation and prevents the adhesion of E. coli or the clinically isolated S. simulans strain to bovine mammary epithelial (MAC-T) cells. In addition, Z. morio hemolymph downregulates the expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor family member pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, and NLRP6, as well as inhibits the secretion of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18, which attenuates E. coli or S. simulans-induced pyroptosis. Overall, our results suggest the potential role of Z. morio hemolymph as a novel therapeutic candidate for bovine mastitis.
    [Show full text]
  • Zophobas Morio Zophobas Morio ) Are a 2” Long Larva That Is a Very Popular) Area2”Longlarvathatisvery © Do Not Copy Withoutpermission© Donotcopy
    Superworm Zophobas morio By Cody Castellanos General Information: Superworms ( Zophobas morio ) are a 2” long larva that is a very popular feeder for reptiles. Because of their size and movement they’ll easily catch the attention of your animals. They are naturally large and have no growth hormones unlike the giant mealworm. They are native to tropical Central and South America. The total life span for a superworm is a little over a year from egg to beetle. Housing: They can be placed in any container that you may have. Make sure that the container is high enough so they can’t climb out. Usually tubs 5”+ high is suffi cient. I’ve found that plastic Rubbermaid tubs usually work best. Heat & Light - Lighting is not needed as they like darkness. The best temperatures are in the mid 70s to the low 80s. If superworms are overheated you will notice a signifi cant die off. Also never refrigerate superworms! They can’t take cold temperatures and death will be the result. Food & Water: Superworms will eat just about anything. Keep them in 1-4” of wheat bran, oats or a highly nutritious gutload. Make sure to gutload all food items for 24 hours prior to feeding. Gutloading is feeding very nutritious/high quality foods to prey prior to feeding to your animals. There are also many commercially available products that are in powder form. I make and use Pro Gutload for all my feeders. Gutloading will ensure a healthier insect and in the long run a healthier animal. Water - Things like carrots, potatoes, fruits etc are all suitable for moisture.
    [Show full text]
  • Cytogenetics of the Darkling Beetles Zophobas Aff
    Cytogenetics of the darkling beetles Zophobas aff. confusus and Nyctobates gigas (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae) A.C. Lira-Neto1,3, G.M. Silva1, R.C. Moura2 and M.J. Souza1 1Departamento de Genética, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil 2Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil 3Instituto Agronômico de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil Corresponding author: R.C. Moura E-mail: [email protected] Genet. Mol. Res. 11 (3): 2432-2440 (2012) Received January 20, 2012 Accepted May 26, 2012 Published June 15, 2012 DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.4238/2012.June.15.5 ABSTRACT. Males of Zophobas aff. confusus and Nyctobates gigas (Tenebrionidae) collected in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil, were studied through conventional staining, C-banding, silver nitrate im- pregnation (AgNO3), and the base specific fluorochromes CMA3 and DAPI. Z. aff. confusus was found to have 2n = 20 (9+Xyp) while N. gigas exhibited 2n = 18 (8+neoXY). Large pericentromeric blocks of constitutive heterochromatin (CH) were detected throughout the auto- somal complement of the two species, except in one autosomal pair of N. gigas in which no heterochromatic block was observed. The sex chromosomes of both species were almost totally heterochromatic. Double staining with CMA3/DA (distamycin) and DAPI/DA marked CH in Z. aff. confusus. However, DAPI staining was more intense. N. gigas was found to possess blocks of CH-positive CMA3 and ho- mogeneous DAPI. AgNO3 staining also revealed differences between the two species. In Z. confusus an NOR was observed in the sexual bivalent Xyp and N.
    [Show full text]
  • Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc
    ZOO MED LABORATORIES, INC. ZOO MED LABORATORIES, Zoo Med’s entire UVB Lamp Collection transmitts beneficial UVB lasting a full year allowing you to change bulbs less often. 2019 PRODUCT CATALOG See page 30 for help on choosing the proper UVB Lamp for your application. ZOO MED LABORATORIES, INC. ZOO MED EUROPE Visit Our Website To View Our 3650 Sacramento Dr. [email protected] Complete Product Line, Contests, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Events And Care Information! 1-805-542-9988 (Customer Service) ZOO MED JAPAN CO. LTD. [email protected] TEL 054-626-1145 www.zoomed.com FAX 054-626-1132 www.zoomed.jp Welcome to Zoo Med Laboratories Here at Zoo Med, animals are our passion, and for over 40 years we have made it our mission to supply the very best in exotic pet foods, reptile products, and reptile habitats. As a company made up of reptile hobbyists, we strive to provide the supplies and knowledge needed to successfully care for reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects and other exotic pets to keep them happy and healthy. The reptile supplies, accessories, and tools we manufacture are first tested at our facilities on the large collection of reptiles & aquarium fish we house at Zoo Med. Many of us have desk pets, and many of those desks are wedged into places in-between the 200+ terrariums, aquariums, paludariums, and other habitats at our facility. Inside our Animal Room, we house over 90 species ranging from chameleons, geckos, skinks, frogs, fish, newts, tarantulas, and beetles. Outside in our Turtle Nirvana Greenhouse, we care for 30 species of turtles and tortoises, several of which are endangered.
    [Show full text]
  • Sensory and Chemical Characteristic of Two Insect Species: Tenebrio Molitor and Zophobas Morio Larvae Affected by Roasting Processes
    molecules Article Sensory and Chemical Characteristic of Two Insect Species: Tenebrio molitor and Zophobas morio Larvae Affected by Roasting Processes Anna K. Zołnierczyk˙ * and Antoni Szumny Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: The volatile compounds from insects (Tenebrio molitor and Zophobas morio larvae) roasted at 160, 180, or 200 ◦C and fed with potato starch or blue corn flour were isolated by solid-phase microextraction (SPME), and identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In the tested material, 48 volatile compounds were determined. Among them, eight are pyrazines, aroma compounds that are formed in food products during thermal processing due to the Maillard reaction. Eleven of the identified compounds influenced the roast, bread, fat, and burnt aromas that are characteristic for traditional baked dishes (meat, potatoes, bread). Most of them are carbonyl compounds and pyrazines. To confirm the contribution of the most important odorants identified, their odor potential activity values (OAVs) and %OAV were calculated. The highest value was noted for isobuthylpyrazine, responsible for roast aroma (%OAV > 90% for samples roasted at lower temperatures), and 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, responsible for burnt aroma (%OAV > 20% for samples Citation: Zołnierczyk,˙ A.K.; Szumny, roasted at the highest temperature). According to the study, the type of feed did not significantly A. Sensory and Chemical affect the results of the sensory analysis of roasted insects. The decisive influence was the roasting ◦ Characteristic of Two Insect Species: temperature. The highest scores were achieved for Tenebrio molitor larvae heat-treated at 160 C.
    [Show full text]
  • Methane Production in Terrestrial Arthropods (Methanogens/Symbiouis/Anaerobic Protsts/Evolution/Atmospheric Methane) JOHANNES H
    Proc. Nati. Acad. Sci. USA Vol. 91, pp. 5441-5445, June 1994 Microbiology Methane production in terrestrial arthropods (methanogens/symbiouis/anaerobic protsts/evolution/atmospheric methane) JOHANNES H. P. HACKSTEIN AND CLAUDIUS K. STUMM Department of Microbiology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Science, Catholic University of Nijmegen, Toernooiveld, NL-6525 ED Nimegen, The Netherlands Communicated by Lynn Margulis, February 1, 1994 (receivedfor review June 22, 1993) ABSTRACT We have screened more than 110 represen- stoppers. For 2-12 hr the arthropods (0.5-50 g fresh weight, tatives of the different taxa of terrsrial arthropods for depending on size and availability of specimens) were incu- methane production in order to obtain additional information bated at room temperature (210C). The detection limit for about the origins of biogenic methane. Methanogenic bacteria methane was in the nmol range, guaranteeing that any occur in the hindguts of nearly all tropical representatives significant methane emission could be detected by gas chro- of millipedes (Diplopoda), cockroaches (Blattaria), termites matography ofgas samples taken at the end ofthe incubation (Isoptera), and scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae), while such meth- period. Under these conditions, all methane-emitting species anogens are absent from 66 other arthropod species investi- produced >100 nmol of methane during the incubation pe- gated. Three types of symbiosis were found: in the first type, riod. All nonproducers failed to produce methane concen- the arthropod's hindgut is colonized by free methanogenic trations higher than the background level (maximum, 10-20 bacteria; in the second type, methanogens are closely associated nmol), even if the incubation time was prolonged and higher with chitinous structures formed by the host's hindgut; the numbers of arthropods were incubated.
    [Show full text]
  • Pet African Hedgehogs a Complete Guide to Care Kimberly Goertzen Copyright © 2012 by Kimberly Goertzen
    Pet African Hedgehogs A Complete Guide to Care Kimberly Goertzen Copyright © 2012 by Kimberly Goertzen All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means including photocopying, recording, or information stor- age and retrieval without written permission from the author. ISBN: 978-1-105-44823-2 Photo Credits: All photos are by Kimberly Goertzen unless listed below: Alyson Farquhar: page 6; Nancy Denny: pages 37, 38 (left), 40 (left), 95 (top), 116 (top); Larry Thomason: pages 58 (left), 59 (top); Christine Schramm: page 58 (right); Deneen Foelker: pages 59 (right), 96 (bottom two); Julie Pierce: page 61 (bottom); Anna L: page 115 (bottom); Anony- mous: page 116 (bottom); Anny H: page 117; Laura Ledet: pages 118, 119 (both), 120. Special thanks to Vicki McLean for sharing her hedgies Yazmeena and Cody as models, and to Christopher David for being the director of photog- raphy during the photo shoot for several of the photos in this book. A PDF version of this entire book is available for free download at the website listed below, as well as information on donating to the author if you find the free resource helpful. Book Website: www.westcoasthedgehogs.com/files/hedgehogbook/index.html Email: [email protected] CONTENTSCONTENTS Introduction 6 Preface 9 Quill Structure and Design 6 Hedgehog Fast Facts 10 Where Our Pets Came From Preparing for a Hedgehog 12 Is a Hedgehog the Right 19 Where to Get a Hedgehog Pet for You? 20 Male or Female? 14 Choosing a Veterinarian 21 Personalities 16 Shopping List Welcome Home 24 Bringing Hedgie Home 25 Keys to Settling In Living With a Hedgehog 28 Finding Time for Your 29 Traveling With or Without Hedgehog Your Hedgehog 29 Routines and Frequency 32 Capturing an Escapee Behavior and Handling 36 Interpreting Body 40 Biting Language 41 Hedgehogs and Other Pets 37 Anointing 42 Dealing with “Boy Time” 38 Quilling 43 Tips on Bonding Housing and Husbandry 46 Cage Heating and Lighting 63 Cage Accessories 52 Fabric vs.
    [Show full text]
  • Superworm Fact Sheet
    Superworm Fact Sheet Common Name: Superworm, King Worms, Morio Worms, Zophobas Scientific Name: Zophobas Morio Wild Status: Least Concern Habitat: Ground dwelling, found in barns and grain containers Country: Tropical regions of Central and South America and have spread across the world Shelter: Under rocks and logs Life Span: Many months in this stage Size: 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 inches Details Superworms are the larvae stage of a species of darkling beetle. They are a common and popular food for all different animals. The superworm has a very strong bite so sometimes it's necessary to crush the head before feeding them to any pets. According to humans who have eaten the superworm, it tastes like almonds. Their diet consists of fresh and decaying vegetation like rotting wood and dead leaves. In the larval stage they will molt anywhere from 9 to 20 times before forming a pupa. When they emerge they are white and will gradually darken to a black color. Superworms are rarely found in the wild. If they are around they will most likely be found in grain storage areas and barns. Cool Facts • Superworms are not worms • If superworms are left without food or in confinement they can become cannibalistic. • Superworms are the larval form of the Zophobas beetle and will complete a full metamorphosis. • Females lay eggs in rotting carcasses, soil, decaying vegetation and decaying trees • Superworms curl inward and create cocoons made of silk that harden to protect them when they pupate. • All different animals such as birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and even hedgehogs enjoy a tasty superworm as a snack.
    [Show full text]
  • TETZLAFF-DISSERTATION-2019.Pdf
    THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX: EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT AND REARING DURATION ON HEAD-STARTING SUCCESS OF BOX TURTLES BY SASHA JAMES TETZLAFF DISSERTATION Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences in the Graduate College of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2019 Urbana, Illinois Doctoral Committee: Associate Professor Robert L. Schooley, Chair Adjunct Assistant Professor Jinelle H. Sperry, Director of Research Dr. Brett A. DeGregorio, University of Arkansas Associate Professor Michael P. Ward Professor Bruce A. Kingsbury, Purdue University Fort Wayne ii ABSTRACT Translocation is the deliberate movement and release of animals and a common management technique in wildlife conservation programs. However, efforts are often unsuccessful because relocated animals have low survival, precluding population establishment. I reviewed studies using antipredator training, environmental enrichment, and soft release as pre- release behavioral conditioning in translocation programs, and I quantitatively synthesized how these approaches affect post-release success. I then conducted experiments using captive-reared juvenile eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina) raised with or without naturalistic environmental enrichment to better understand mechanisms influencing habitat preferences in captivity. Next, I investigated if enrichment encouraged natural behaviors before turtles were released into the wild and how being raised in enriched environments affected growth over differing rearing periods (nine vs. 21 months). Finally, I examined how enrichment and captive- rearing duration affected the turtles’ post-release growth, behavior, and survival. Meta-analysis conducted on 108 effect sizes from 41 studies investigating the effects of pre-release behavioral conditioning on translocation outcomes revealed conditioned animals had higher survival, reduced movement, and greater site fidelity than unconditioned individuals.
    [Show full text]
  • 2021 Finalist Directory
    2021 Finalist Directory April 29, 2021 ANIMAL SCIENCES ANIM001 Shrimply Clean: Effects of Mussels and Prawn on Water Quality https://projectboard.world/isef/project/51706 Trinity Skaggs, 11th; Wildwood High School, Wildwood, FL ANIM003 Investigation on High Twinning Rates in Cattle Using Sanger Sequencing https://projectboard.world/isef/project/51833 Lilly Figueroa, 10th; Mancos High School, Mancos, CO ANIM004 Utilization of Mechanically Simulated Kangaroo Care as a Novel Homeostatic Method to Treat Mice Carrying a Remutation of the Ppp1r13l Gene as a Model for Humans with Cardiomyopathy https://projectboard.world/isef/project/51789 Nathan Foo, 12th; West Shore Junior/Senior High School, Melbourne, FL ANIM005T Behavior Study and Development of Artificial Nest for Nurturing Assassin Bugs (Sycanus indagator Stal.) Beneficial in Biological Pest Control https://projectboard.world/isef/project/51803 Nonthaporn Srikha, 10th; Natthida Benjapiyaporn, 11th; Pattarapoom Tubtim, 12th; The Demonstration School of Khon Kaen University (Modindaeng), Muang Khonkaen, Khonkaen, Thailand ANIM006 The Survival of the Fairy: An In-Depth Survey into the Behavior and Life Cycle of the Sand Fairy Cicada, Year 3 https://projectboard.world/isef/project/51630 Antonio Rajaratnam, 12th; Redeemer Baptist School, North Parramatta, NSW, Australia ANIM007 Novel Geotaxic Data Show Botanical Therapeutics Slow Parkinson’s Disease in A53T and ParkinKO Models https://projectboard.world/isef/project/51887 Kristi Biswas, 10th; Paxon School for Advanced Studies, Jacksonville,
    [Show full text]
  • Darkling Beetles a CAROLINA™ Caresheet
    Darkling Beetles A CAROLINA™ CareSheet Care and handling Darkling Beetles are the adult stage of over 20,000 species; however, we use Darkling Beetle to refer to the adult of the Superworm (Zophobas morio). If you are interested in the adult of Tenebrio molitor, see the Mealworm CareSheet. The larval stage of Zophobas is known as the Superworm and has its own CareSheet. Habitat A terrarium makes a good habitat for this beetle. Put 1 ½ to 2” of potting soil in the bottom of the tank. Cover the surface with paper towels, leaf litter, or bran meal/oat flakes. They do best in dark, cool, dry places. Maintenance These beetles extract water from their food. Additionally, their hard carapace is covered with a wax-like substance that prevents water from evaporating from their bodies. If you wish to give supplemental water, place a moistened sponge or cotton wick into the habitat Adult Darkling Beetles are scavengers, eating both fresh and decaying vegetation. In nature, they feed on dried or rotting plant matter. In captivity, they feed on bran meal, apples, oranges, potatoes, cucumber, romaine lettuce, and pears. Remove uneaten food before it molds. Darkling beetles are active both during the day and at night. With simple care, they can live from three months to over a year. FAQ’s Can these beetles bite? No, they are completely harmless. Their only defense is to release a mildly offensive odor. Can Darkling Beetles be held in a refrigerator? No, temperatures below 15.5ºC (60ºF) may kill the beetles. Can these beetles be released? No, they are native to South and Central America.
    [Show full text]