Mealworm beetles (Tenebrio molitor) are among the most widely farmed insects globally, with welfare considerations spanning larval and adult stages across diverse production systems.
Mealworm welfare sits in the same scientifically uncertain space as other farmed insects. Key welfare parameters include the quality of substrate (mealworms show clear preferences for certain grain types and moisture levels), temperature management across life stages, stocking density effects on larval development and injury, and killing method. The adult beetle stage is often overlooked in welfare discussions despite beetles potentially having greater neural complexity than larvae. As with other farmed insects, the precautionary approach supports implementing minimum welfare standards based on known behavioural preferences even while fundamental sentience questions remain open.