What are these hard shelled worms in my Dubia colony?(Identification Help?)

[Herpluver]

I just found these today, as I have been leaving my roach colony alone. They are fed with a dry roach chow, and watered with water crystals. There is never a bunch of moisture in my colony either.

They don't look like Deremistid beetles or fly larva that I can tell. So I am confused as to what they could be.



If anyone knows what these are, please let me know!

Thanks for your time

 

[DrCarrotTail]

Not 100% sure but came across this thread on AB with similar pictures:

Whats are these worms on dubia colony? [Archive] - Arachnoboards

 

[Herpluver]

If they are those mini mealworms though, how in the world did they get into my dubia colony? The only thing's i've brought into my colony are the roach chow I got with the dubia and water crystals. Well, as well as the egg crates but thats it.

 

[Mclaughlin]

Are you using substrate? What kind of chow?

 

[Herpluver]

No substrate, the only items inside the tub is 4 egg flats, 1 coffee can lid used as a food dish and 2 0.5 ounce cups to hold the water crystals.

The chow was given to me when I purchased the group of Dubia. I am unsure what it is made of, but it is ground into a powder and light tan in color.

 

[Mclaughlin]

I would bet that the eggs were in the food. I use a feed for egg laying chickens. It comes crumbled and is $7 for 10 lbs. from Tractor Supply. I also get egg cartons there for $.49 each.

 

[bogaman]

Well i got those worms with my dubia and lateralis colony too,, im collecting them and use as feeders with my spiderlings and frys

 

[specialtyreptile]

If i am not mistaken, bug breeders use those to aid in keeping the colonies clean. The beetles and there larva eat the waste of the roaches...

 

[Lavodnas]

Just from looking at the pic, I would say that they could be the lil guys shown in the link.

Alphitobius diaperinus (Lesser Mealworm Beetle) - The Invert Shop