Love your posts Diane! Watch patience you have to hold mealworms until the birds come! Are those live mealworms not dried?
If I may, as an entomologist, correct your comment about the life cycle of the mealworm. They do have 4 life stages - egg, larva, pupa, and adult. A mealworm is the larval stage of a darkling beetle, Tenebrio molitor - commonly called the yellow mealworm. These beetles are known as stored grain pests introduced to North America in early 1800's. Since they readily eat grain, they are easy to rear for pet industry as food for reptiles and amphibians.
Thank you Moni for commenting and setting us straight on the life cycle of the darkling beetle! And they are live mealworms. Dried ones do not tempt the bluebirds much.
Well, mealworms are not really worms but caterpillars. If they had a chance to make a cocoon and emerge as adults, they would be moths. Darkling Moths, to be specific.
Since caterpillars are a major part of baby-bird food, I'm trying to rehabilitate my attitude toward caterpillars and other insects. If they are the staff of life to baby birds, then they are beautiful!
My uncle Walton used to keep and monitor 4 or 5 bluebird houses on his farm. He was a super shot with medals to prove it, so all intruders like bluejays were not long for this world.
I'm glad Uncle Walton kept bluebird houses. Early exposure like that is so important to a child. (Of course in today's world he would not harm native species, I'm sure.)
This is a great article. I knew bluebirds loved mealworms, but I didn’t realize this was the stage they are especially needed. I should have. My bluebirds fledged last week. It was fun watching the hatchlings coming to the hole in the box. From inside. Then the next day they were gone. I wish I’d thought to get mealworms. Thank you for this story. A treat. I’ll share with my home helper today. 🤗 Barbara Herrgesell
I love seeing the white clover in your toe picture. You’re taking care of pollinators as well.
Love your posts Diane! Watch patience you have to hold mealworms until the birds come! Are those live mealworms not dried?
If I may, as an entomologist, correct your comment about the life cycle of the mealworm. They do have 4 life stages - egg, larva, pupa, and adult. A mealworm is the larval stage of a darkling beetle, Tenebrio molitor - commonly called the yellow mealworm. These beetles are known as stored grain pests introduced to North America in early 1800's. Since they readily eat grain, they are easy to rear for pet industry as food for reptiles and amphibians.
Thank you Moni for commenting and setting us straight on the life cycle of the darkling beetle! And they are live mealworms. Dried ones do not tempt the bluebirds much.
the birds love you... Mother Nature loves you.... we love you.
Hmmmmm...What is More Beautiful? A Bluebird, or her Sweet Friend-in-Blue, sharing a Meal...uh...of Worms!😁
Well, mealworms are not really worms but caterpillars. If they had a chance to make a cocoon and emerge as adults, they would be moths. Darkling Moths, to be specific.
Since caterpillars are a major part of baby-bird food, I'm trying to rehabilitate my attitude toward caterpillars and other insects. If they are the staff of life to baby birds, then they are beautiful!
What a lovely way to engage with nature.
Thank you Murray. And thanks for commenting.
Fantastic video. What eye contact with that bluebird!
Thanks Pru. He got to be a good friend.
You're a Bluebird of Happiness!
You too, Patty! Thanks for reading it and commenting.
A double WOW over here from Torrey and me!
Thanks Linda. Are you still traveling?
What a joy to see them back again
My uncle Walton used to keep and monitor 4 or 5 bluebird houses on his farm. He was a super shot with medals to prove it, so all intruders like bluejays were not long for this world.
I'm glad Uncle Walton kept bluebird houses. Early exposure like that is so important to a child. (Of course in today's world he would not harm native species, I'm sure.)
This is a great article. I knew bluebirds loved mealworms, but I didn’t realize this was the stage they are especially needed. I should have. My bluebirds fledged last week. It was fun watching the hatchlings coming to the hole in the box. From inside. Then the next day they were gone. I wish I’d thought to get mealworms. Thank you for this story. A treat. I’ll share with my home helper today. 🤗 Barbara Herrgesell
Thanks for sharing your experience. And good luck for next year!