CutWorms

[MattiBee]

Hi everyone,

Just wondering, has anyone heard of cutworms being used as a staple feeder insect? I ordered some silkworms a while ago from a site in the uk (as most people from the uk will know, silkworms are possibly the hardest feeder to get our hands on here) and they still havent delivered, they have offered me either

Silkworms in a few weeks
Cutworms
Stick insects

Or obviously a refund. I want to try a new feeder insect, i am currently on locusts and wax worms as treats and want to add some variety. Of the 3 above which would you say is the best idea? I also wondered if anyone has nutritional info on Cutworms, here is a link incase anyone is wondering what they are like, as i am not sure if you get them in other countries.

http://www.warwickinsect.co.uk/WITLF2.htm

Thanks

 

[dodolah]

never experiment with cutworms.
but i can definitely opt for silkworms.
stick insect is treat-base only.

does UK have hornworms/ goliath worms?
Those are delicacies for my chameleon. He absolutely loves them.
very good when you want to fatten and rehydrate your chameleon.
Hornworms are bit fatter and juicier than silkies but not too fattening like wax worms.

hope that helps.

 

[Brad Ramsey]

Why do you say that?
I think it is a primary feeder in most chameleon's natural habitats.*
A stick insect has at least as much gut load in it at any given time as a silkworm.
In the UK where you can legally keep them, you should take advantage of a great feeder that is as prolific as anything!

-Brad

*In Madagascar I bet the chameleons are eating a lot more stick insects than silkworms.

 

[MattiBee]

thanks for your replies, that is a good point brad i will have a look into getting some as a feeder insect rather than buying them at 'pet prices'

cheers for your help

 

[lele]

cutworms are gross, but fat, juicy larvae. here in the states they are a serious pest closely related to the army worm which will literally plow thru fields of crops overnight and do amazing damage.

I think there was a thread on these (maybe with army worms) once before so you might find it in a search. Here is a link to an old on on a different forum.ArmyWorm thread I think I did some research on nutritional value but don't recall what I found. If I come across it I'll let you know (might even be in that thread). The place in UK that you get them might/should have that.

Stick insects should be OK, though the skinny Indians would likely provide less than a larger species (agree Brad?). Just stay away from the sprayers.
You can get into breeding sticks, but you probably won't want to feed off your little pets Just get a really prolific species!

lele

 

[dodolah]

Why do you say that?
I think it is a primary feeder in most chameleon's natural habitats.*
A stick insect has at least as much gut load in it at any given time as a silkworm.
In the UK where you can legally keep them, you should take advantage of a great feeder that is as prolific as anything!

-Brad

*In Madagascar I bet the chameleons are eating a lot more stick insects than silkworms.

I find it's too interesting to be gobbled up by chameleon
Actually, i heard from reptileforums that stick insects aren't that nutritious and some species are poisonous?
http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/Stick-Ins...0000733172?ssPageName=BUYGD:CAT:-1:LISTINGS:2

well, at least this guy says so

 

[Brad Ramsey]

Stick insects should be OK, though the skinny Indians would likely provide less than a larger species (agree Brad?). Just stay away from the sprayers.
You can get into breeding sticks, but you probably won't want to feed off your little pets Just get a really prolific species!

lele

Without an actual nutritional analysis I couldn't say with any certainty. I do know that the indians can mow down some vegetation! I think there's more to them nutrition-wise then meets the eye.
It wouldn't be hard to feed them off once you established an army of thousands (which doesn't take long!)

-Brad

 

[lele]

Brad - true on all counts!

dodolah - As for poisonous, yes, some are due to their chemical defensive spray so one would have to pay close attention to the species they are getting. I might also stay away from some of the thorny ones, at least as adults.