Rearing of this species has several advantages as compared to conventional livestock rearing, e.g., an efficient transformation of feed into edible biomass, or a lower environmental impact, e.g., CO 2 production. (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae), is widely used for food and feed production. The mealworm, i.e., larvae of Tenebrio molitor L. Insect farming for human consumption is a growing economic sector. Our data can be used to improve the mass rearing of mealworms for an efficient production of food and feed. At 25 and 30 ☌ and constant darkness, the highest survival and growth rate, along with the shortest developmental time, were observed. Furthermore, significant effects of photoperiod on developmental time and growth rate were found. We describe a significant effect of temperature on survival rate, developmental time, and growth rate.

Therefore, the effects of three temperatures (20 ☌, 25 ☌, and 30 ☌), in combination with three photoperiods (long-day-16 h:8 h light:dark short-day-8 h:16 h light:dark, and constant darkness) on mealworm survival, developmental time, and growth rate were tested. Knowledge of the effects of temperature, and particularly photoperiod, on mealworm development is scarce, but crucial for the improvement of rearing. One species that is already produced for human consumption and livestock feed is the mealworm, i.e., larvae of Tenebrio molitor.

Insects are a potential substitute for conventional meat and can be part of a sustainable human diet due to their valuable nutrients and relatively low environmental production impact.

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