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1 October 2018 A Review of the Scientific Literature for Optimal Conditions for Mass Rearing Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Nuno Ribeiro, Manuela Abelho, Rui Costa
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Abstract

Several insect species are mass produced for animal feeds, fish bait, or human consumption. The yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), is one of the more-popular insects considered for this use. To make T. molitor competitive with more-traditional protein sources, mass production must be optimized. Herein, we review the scientific literature on the range and optimal environmental, physical, and dietary conditions for the rearing T. molitor. Our review identified that: (a) the optimum temperature for T. molitor growth is 25–28°C; (b) T. molitor larval growth rate is greatest at ≥70% relative humidity (RH) with an optimum range between 60–75% RH, and; (c) optimal growth is achieved with diets containing 5–10% yeast, 80–85% carbohydrate, and the addition of B-complexvitamins.

Nuno Ribeiro, Manuela Abelho, and Rui Costa "A Review of the Scientific Literature for Optimal Conditions for Mass Rearing Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)," Journal of Entomological Science 53(4), 434-454, (1 October 2018). https://doi.org/10.18474/JES17-67.1
Received: 27 May 2017; Accepted: 30 January 2018; Published: 1 October 2018
KEYWORDS
diet
rearing
relative humidity
temperature
Tenebrio molitor
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