Stages+of+the+Mealworm

__ **The Life Cycle of a Mealworm** __
 * Larva Phase:** Mealworms are the larva form of a Beetle. We conducted all of our experiments with the mealworm in the larva stage. The mealworms were quite active in this stage, which made it easier to conduct experiments. During this stage, the mealworms undergo molting. The mealworm molts as it gets too big for it exoskeleton. During the mealworms last molt, the mealworm curls up into it's pupa phase.


 * Pupa Phase:** The mealworm remains in its pupal phase anywheres from 3 to 30 days. First entering into the Pupa phase the mealworm is creamy white in colour. The mealworms colour slowly changes to brown the farther into the Pupa stage it goes. Mealworms are fairly inactive during the pupa stage. We found it was practically impossible to do any experiments with the mealworms during this phase. The mealworm is undergoing a lot of changes, which is mostly likely why they are inactive.


 * Adult/ Darkling Beetle Phase:** Once the mealworm reaches the adult phase, it is a darkling beetle. The adult beetle is initially a light brown, which later turns to complete back. The beetle is very active, and can move quickly.