Impact of moisture content of the bedding material on the survival & growth of Superworms (Zophobas morio)

Abstract

Moisture is a crucial environmental factor influencing the physiology, metabolism, and survival of insect species. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of varying moisture levels in wheat bran bedding (10 ± 2%, 20 ± 2%, 30 ± 2%) with and without a wet cotton ball on the Survival rate (%), weight (g), and length (mm) of Zophobas morio larvae over a 28-day period. Six experimental groups were established with triplicates, and larval parameters were recorded at 7-day intervals. Results revealed that Z. morio reared in 20 ± 2% moisture with a wet cotton ball exhibited the highest survival (74.64 ± 12.84%) and minimal weight loss (final weight: 10.30 ± 1.44 g), while the lowest survival and weight were observed in 10 ± 2% moisture without cotton (10.64 ± 6.08%; 0.91 ± 0.35 g). Statistical analysis indicated significant effects of moisture and cotton presence on larval survival (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that moderate moisture content (~20 ± 2%) supplemented with a water-retaining aid optimizes Z. morio performance, providing insights for sustainable insect farming practices.