Insect breeding

[splashy07]

I know many of us keep BTs simply because you do not have to keep all those nasty bugs around, but here's a simple solution for those who don't mind. I have been fascinated with insects from childhood, and was always studying and looking to learn more about them. The superworm, King worm, mega worm (zophobas morio) is the larva of an African beetle that feeds on decaying wood. Captives will eat anything. I do not breed them to save money, as they are very cheap to buy. I do simply because I was tired of seasonal losses in shipping, and I feel better knowing what they're eating from birth. They need to be kept warm for growth, but the beetles will breed at room temperature. They look like a giant mealworm but their care is very different, for instance, they can't be kept refrigerated like mealworms that will go dormant. These will die if they get cold. I keep the babies on commercial bran marketed for them, and once half to 3/4 inch I change them over to mazuri pellets or bearded dragon pellets, adding greens and carrots for moisture. They eagerly eat leftover skink food too. These worms are a favorite when my skinks come out of brumation. Although not necessary, insects are an important part of their diet in the wild. Isolate your largest worms (they will not pupate in groups). When they turn to beetles, put them in a container with a layer of bran and some egg crates or similar. In a few weeks (depending on temps) you'll see tiny worms in the bran. I wait till they're big enough to strain out, and I put them in a container in a spare tub in my snake rack. When they get to desired size I keep at room temperature. And there you have it, a constant supply.

[kayla990]

Agree it's a good idea to breed your own feeders, along with being able to gut load efficiently! Enjoyed keeping Dubia roaches as well, interesting little bugs and easy to care for ^__^

[splashy07]

Yes, I breed those too but figured everyone knows how to do that! I've always enjoyed insects as a hobby too, have mantises, stick insects, oh you name it I've probably had it. Seasonally I raise Saturnid silkmoths. The most beautiful insects on the planet, and so much fun to raise. I just love huge green caterpillars.

[kayla990]

True - Oh wow, love that you've had so many! Awesome with the mantises, they have such big personalities been tempted to pick up a few we've seen at shows! The Saturniid silkmoths are gorgeous.. so cool!

[splashy07]

Yeah, I was a buggy kid and that evolved into reptile collecting. Not quite what was expected of a little girl in the sixties, but it didn't stop me! And now I can bring anything I want into the house without the disapproving stares of my parents!