
Tenebrio Molitor commonly known as « mealworms »
Mealworm bettle (Tenebrio molitor) is an insect belonging to the betle family that has a particular fondness for cereal flours.
Mealworm larvae, commonly known as mealworms, are perfectly suited to small-scale farming and offer outstanding nutritional qualities :
- Amino acids and fatty acids (Oméga 3 & 6)
- Exceptionally high protien content (> 65%)
- Higher protein yield than the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illusens) and fishmeal flour
- Highly effective as feed for livestock and pets
Learn more about insect farming
Insect farming as a protein substitute for animal feed
Insect farming presents a credible and sustainable alternative protein source for animal feed (Albouy & Chardigny, 2016; van Huis, 2014, 2013). From a nutritional perspective, insects, which are a natural part of the diet for many animals (e.g., poultry and fish), are rich in high-quality proteins and lipids, as well as essential micronutrients critical for animal development (Payne et al., 2015; Makkar et al., 2014).
Growth performance and protein digestibility in poultry and fish fed with insect-based diets show highly promising results (Burel et al., 2017).
Economic perspective
Economically, insect farming effectively adds value to low-value products, such as cereal by-products (derived from large-scale farming, which predominates in the Limagne plain in Auvergne). This process requires only a moderate level of technical and logistical investment, making it an efficient and accessible solution.
Social perspective
Socially, the development of this new industry creates jobs and helps sustain agricultural employment, contributing to the stability and vitality of rural communities.
Environmental perspective
Insect farming has a low environmental footprint, emitting minimal greenhouse gases, requiring little land area, and using limited water and energy inputs (Oonincx et al., 2012, 2010). Additionally, it boasts an impressive protein conversion efficiency (van Huis, 2013; Collavo et al., 2005).
By upcycling low-value agricultural by-products available locally into high-quality proteins and lipids, our mealworms are seamlessly integrated into local animal nutrition supply chains, contributing to a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
The choice of Tenebrio molitor as our insect species is no coincidence: with a 4-month life cycle, it is perfectly suited to on-farm rearing by farmers.
The most technically complex phases of rearing, which require significant investments, are centralised at Invers’ production site. The fattening phase, lasting approximately four weeks, takes place directly on agricultural sites in facilities designed by Invers.
To minimise land artificialisation, we prioritise the rehabilitation of existing buildings, aligning with our commitment to sustainable and resource-efficient practices.
