Silkworms VS Moth: which is more nutritious?
- Thread starter Mesnik
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dodolah
Retired Moderator
i believe it's the same as silkies
PardalisGirl
Avid Member
Silkworms.........
I think the silkworms themselves are a better food value. They have a lot of moisture in them and look at the body size compared to the actual body size of the moth. The moth is comprised of wings, the head, etc. that take up space but have little food value. Also, the silkworms are being fed before they are, in turn, fed to the cham. Moths have just emerged from the cocoon and are empty of food and hungry. Not a preferred scenario in my mind. If my silkworms cocoon before I can feed them out I let them hatch and fed the moths out. There is an element of fun for the cham to catch them.
I think the silkworms themselves are a better food value. They have a lot of moisture in them and look at the body size compared to the actual body size of the moth. The moth is comprised of wings, the head, etc. that take up space but have little food value. Also, the silkworms are being fed before they are, in turn, fed to the cham. Moths have just emerged from the cocoon and are empty of food and hungry. Not a preferred scenario in my mind. If my silkworms cocoon before I can feed them out I let them hatch and fed the moths out. There is an element of fun for the cham to catch them.
The silk moths are good for an added calcium source, that powders in a bottle dont have. We have many customers who grow both the silkworms and hornworms up just for the moths.
SherrysCham
New Member
Regarding the point of silk moths being cocoons for weeks without food before hatching and being fed to the chams, that's true but.....silkies only eat mulberry leaves or mulberry chow anyway. That isn't a SUPER nutrition source for chams in the first place. So with that said, there's no difference between silkworms and silk moths nutrition wise. The only source of nutrition chams get from eating silkworms is the calcium since they're high in calcium. And some hydration.
Also, about the moths being hungry when they hatch - the moths don't have mouths or actually eat once they've hatched, so they aren't really hungry lol.
Also, about the moths being hungry when they hatch - the moths don't have mouths or actually eat once they've hatched, so they aren't really hungry lol.
SherrysCham
New Member
Regarding the point of silk moths being cocoons for weeks without food before hatching and being fed to the chams, that's true but.....silkies only eat mulberry leaves or mulberry chow anyway. That isn't a SUPER nutrition source for chams in the first place. So with that said, there's no difference between silkworms and silk moths nutrition wise. The only source of nutrition chams get from eating silkworms is the calcium since they're high in calcium. And some hydration.
Also, about the moths being hungry when they hatch - the moths don't have mouths or actually eat once they've hatched, so they aren't really hungry lol.
Also, about the moths being hungry when they hatch - the moths don't have mouths or actually eat once they've hatched, so they aren't really hungry lol.
ridgebax1
Avid Member
It is true that most moths do not have mouths and those that do generally feed on nectar, in a way similar to butterflies. The primary function for a moth is procreation. Anyone who has seen the behavior of silkworm moths can attest to that. So it is impossible to gut load them to provide good nutrition to the chameleon. However it is OK to feed some to the lizard for a treat and to allow the chameleon to do some hunting. Silkies do only eat mulberry leaves or commercial chow as do hornworms. I made my own hornworm chow had it did have some very nutritious ingredients.
As a rule hornworms, silkworms and other soft bodied insects should not make up the majority of the chameleons diet. They need insects with a bit of crunch just like we need vegetables and roughage. The horns and silks are great for giving some extra moisture, high in calcium and low in fat. Phoenix worms are good for calcium as well and the adult soldier flies also have no mouth parts so do not eat but again are a fun treat for your chameleon.
As a rule hornworms, silkworms and other soft bodied insects should not make up the majority of the chameleons diet. They need insects with a bit of crunch just like we need vegetables and roughage. The horns and silks are great for giving some extra moisture, high in calcium and low in fat. Phoenix worms are good for calcium as well and the adult soldier flies also have no mouth parts so do not eat but again are a fun treat for your chameleon.
junglefries
Avid Member
I like to try an use about 3 to 1 ratio. 3 worms for every 1 moth. Twice a year, I just hatch a bunch of moths for everyone, also. Keeps them happy and on their toes.
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