Life Cycle of a Mealworm - Worksheets - Free Printable

Here is the solution to help you complete your worksheet.

Part 1: Label the Body Parts

You need to draw lines from the words in the box to the correct part of the mealworm drawing. Here is where they go:

* Head: Point to the very front tip of the worm (the left side in the picture). It has small antennae and mouthparts.
* Thorax: Point to the section right behind the head. This is the middle section where the legs are attached.
* Abdomen: Point to the long, segmented back part of the worm (the right side). This makes up most of its body length.
* Legs: Point to the small jointed limbs underneath the thorax.
* Mouth: Point to the very end of the head.
* Antenna: Point to the two small feelers sticking out of the front of the head.
* Anal Eye (likely "Anal End" or Tail): The word "eye" in your box might be a typo for "end" or it refers to the tail tip. Point to the very last segment at the back right. *Note: Mealworms do not have visible eyes like humans, so if the box definitely says "eye," check with your teacher, but usually, this label points to the rear tip.*

Coloring Tip: Mealworms are typically a shiny yellowish-brown or golden color. You can color them light brown or tan.

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Part 2: Observe a Mealworm

*Note: Since I cannot see the specific mealworm you are holding, I will give you the standard scientific answers that are true for almost all mealworms. You should check your own worm to confirm!*

1. What color is your mealworm?
* Answer: Yellowish-brown, gold, or tan. (Some might look darker brown if they are older).

2. Where are the hairs on your mealworm?
* Answer: Look closely at the legs and the segments of the abdomen. You will see tiny, stiff bristles (hairs) mostly on the legs and along the sides of the body segments.

3. How many legs does your mealworm have?
* Answer: 6 legs. (Like all insects, mealworms have 3 pairs of legs, all located on the thorax).

4. Are the mealworm's legs closer to the front or the back?
* Answer: The front. The legs are attached to the thorax, which is near the head. The long abdomen behind the legs has no legs on it.

5. How many body segments does your mealworm have?
* Answer: Mealworms usually have 12 distinct segments visible on their abdomen (the back part), plus the head and thorax sections. If you count the rings on the long back part, you will likely find about 12.

6. Measure your mealworm in centimeters. How long is it?
* Answer: This depends on your specific worm! However, a typical full-grown mealworm is usually between 2.5 cm and 3.5 cm long. Use your ruler to measure from the tip of the head to the tip of the tail.

Final Answer:
Part 1 Labels: Head (front tip), Thorax (section with legs), Abdomen (long back section), Legs (under the thorax), Mouth (front of head), Antenna (feelers on head).
Part 2 Answers: 1. Yellowish-brown/Gold. 2. On the legs and body segments. 3. 6 legs. 4. Closer to the front. 5. Approximately 12 abdominal segments. 6. Typically 2.5 - 3.5 cm (measure your own to be sure).