Want to witness the entire process of how a worm turning into a beetle..?

The Insect Life Cycle Kit^TM is originally developed by Toni Ip, which allows children to see and learn the entire, typical life cycle of an insect with a complete metamorphosis (from larva, pupa, to adult), while keeping a worm at home.

The kit includes:
* a worm (5-6 cm)
* a plastic container (also the worm keeper)
* bedding substrate (also the food)
* instruction notes

Instructions:

What should I do?
All you have to do is sit and wait to see how a worm turns into a beetle. No feeding is needed during the worm pupates.

How long will it take?
The whole process from a worm to a beetle takes around 20-40 days, depending on temperature.

How exactly do they turn into a beetle?
After about 10-14 days the larvae (worms) should begin to metamorphose into pupae. Pupae don't move unless touched, and then they will wiggle a little. After another week or two, the pupae will morph into adult beetles. They are a creamy white at first. After a few hours they will be brownish orange. In a few days, they will be the characteristic matte black.

What kind of insect is it?
Zophobas morio, a darkling beetle native to Central and South America. These insect larvae resemble very large mealworms. Once they reach adult size, the larvae pupate, and later emerge as large, black beetles.

Is it safe to touch?
This species is not harmful and not poisonous. The worms can give a slight pinch if handled roughly but they do not bite hard enough to break skin. Pupae will wiggle if touched. Beetles do not bite and can be handled safely.

How to do with the beetle?
You can either keep the beetle, or give it back to us for breeding. Adults will live for 2-3 months.

1. The beetle can be kept in any plastic/glass container. It cannot climb up smooth surface.
2. Cover the bottom of the terrarium about 1-2 cm deep with a substrate of wheat bran or oat meal.
3. Add material for them to crawl into and under for cover (Paper-towel tubes, paper egg cartons, chunks of tree bark, a piece of wood, and the like will work)
4. Add small pieces of vegetable or fruit (carrot, potato, apple, squash etc) will provide moisture. Additional water is not needed.

Enjoy the hands-free science lesson at home!