This is a superworm.
Specifically, they are the larvae of the "darkling beetle".
How to house them
Specifically, they are the larvae of the "darkling beetle".
Step 1
Superworms can be kept in practically anything. I've gotten away with keeping them in tupperware.
Here is a picture list of containers you may keep superworms in.
1. Plastic cage (usually found in pet stores).
2. Tupperware (found in practically any store).
3. Plastic Cabinet (most stores have this).
Step 2
Once you have acquired or bought one of the above, make sure you have some spare oats laying around. Make sure the oats do not have sugar or any other ingredients in them. Just the oats.
Just like that. Buy a container of it and it around the bottom of your future superworm cage and make sure it is at least 1 1/2 inches deep.
Finished Product:
Where to find them
First, you'll need to buy a small package of zophobas larvae from a local pet store or pet supply store.
They will most likely be kept in round containers, near other feeders being sold.
Make sure to read the label carefully when trying to buy superworms, and open the lid to make sure they are superworms.
Not a superworm:
Usually superworms (25 ct) cost me around 4-6 USD ($) so be prepared to spend up to six dollars.
What to feed them
You can feed superworms practically anything to keep them alive. The best choice is to feed them fruits and vegetables that you know are SAFE for your animal.
Some examples of safe gutload:
-Chopped up carrots
-Collard Greens
-Mustard Greens
-Orange slices
-Dried Kelp
-Cucumber slices
Just place the food on top of the oats and the superworms will surface and eat it if they are hungry.
If you only have a few superworms (around 8-14) then you can place them in a container with no oats substrate, only food. They will not be overcrowded and will not need oats to climb around in.
Breeding them
Breeding superworms is very simple.
What I find to be very easy is buying a tackle box, like this.
Put the ADULT superworms (usually up to 1 1/2 - 2 inches long) in the box.
One superworm per square, so they cannot touch each other.
Over the next month or so, do not feed them. Just leave them in there with no food and keep them isolated.
They will start to look like this.
Then give it about a week or so and they will start to look like white beetles and turn red later on. Then they will turn black.
Place the beetles in a different superworm tank (same as before) and provide them with the same food.
Also provide them with egg cartons to hide in.
They will eventually mate and lay eggs in the substrate that will later hatch into baby superworms and you can start the process all over again!
For a more detailed (and professional) guide see these sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zophobas_morio
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=2486
http://www.reptileforums.co.uk/forums/feeder/322481-life-superworms-zophobas-morio.html
http://www.herpcenter.com/breeding-feeder-insects/breeding-superworms.html
http://www.geckotime.com/how-to-breed-superworms/
Remember, my guide is just a quick walkthrough.
