Q&A for How to Breed Waxworms

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Who discovered that wax worms eat plastic?

Community Answer

Scientists at Stamford University have found out that waxworms can eat polyethylene (the plastic in carrier bags).

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Question

How can I make my wax worms grow larger in diameter?

Community Answer

The less crowded the waxworms are, the larger they can grow. This won't usually make a huge difference, though. Make sure you bought greater waxworms (Galleria mellonella), not lesser waxworms (Achroia grisella).

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Question

Can adult wax worms fly?

Community Answer

Yes, wax moths can fly.

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Question

What can you feed them?

Community Answer

The waxworms do not need any food besides the "bedding" described in the article.

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Are fruit flies in the waxworm containers harmful?

Community Answer

They are annoying, but they are herbivores and cannot harm your waxworms.

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Question

Do the worms need an additional source of moisture for drinking?

Community Answer

No, not really.

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Question

How do waxworms get water if they're in dry bedding?

Community Answer

Honey has water in it. The oats may feel dry to us, but basically anything edible has a small content of water in it. The moths get all of the moisture they need from the bedding.

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Question

My kit came with a breeder block for laying eggs, but the block has a fine tan fuzz on it. What is this and what do I do about it?

Community Answer

This is probably mold. If the moths haven't emerged yet, remove the block and consider transferring the cocoons to a fresh container. If the eggs are already on the block, line the sides of the container with several sheets of newspaper to absorb moisture (which mold loves).

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Question

How long should/does it take for the bedding to harden? I left it in a ventilated spot, but it hasn't hardened after a few days.

Community Answer

Local conditions like humidity and air pressure matter. Use a dehumidifier or blow dryer to speed up the process.

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Question

How do I stop them from spinning so I can sell them?

Community Answer

If you keep the larva you wish to sell in the refrigerator they will not pupate.

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Question

Is the glycerin mentioned in the article a vegetable glycerin?

Community Answer

Yes, it is. You shouldn't use anything else as it could be harmful to your waxworms.

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Question

When I checked on my worms this morning, it looked as if all of them were dead. Only one moved when I poked it. I think I might have suffocated them, but I'm not sure. Any suggestions?

Community Answer

If all of them are dead, you might have to start over with the breeding process and get new wax worms.

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Question

Is it possible to own waxworms without having them breed?

Community Answer

You can remove the cocoons before the moths emerge, but then the population will not replenish itself naturally.

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Question

Can I feed my waxworms leafy greens, like kale or spinach?

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Community Answer

Yes.You can feed your waxworms almost any vegetable, fruit, or leafy green. Just make sure to give them plenty of variety so they get all the right nutrients.

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Question

What is the reason for not breeding the living black-colored waxworms?

Community Answer

It’s advised not to breed them because black/dark brown wax worms are dead or dying. A living and healthy waxworm should be a cream/beige color.

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Question

At what temperature is it too cold to breed waxworms?

Community Answer

Most waxworms will not pupate below 60° F. If you wish to feed them to pets, this temperature or lower is ideal for storing them. They will not eat during this period. Otherwise, try to keep them above 70°F.

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Question

Can reptiles and sugar gliders eat moths?

Community Answer

No, do not feed reptiles any form of moth, as some may be poisonous, and this can result in death.

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Question

How long does it take the eggs to hatch?

Community Answer

For greater waxworms, eggs hatch in about 3 days. Lesser worms take about 7 days.

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Question

How long does it take waxworms to turn into moths from the cocoons?

Community Answer

10-60 days depending on temperature. Warmer = faster. It also depends on the kind of waxworm.

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Question

Will waxworms stay alive in the fridge?

Community Answer

Yes, but only if you put them in the fridge door, as the main area of a refrigerator is too cold for them.

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Question

Can I use wax moths to feed fish in an aquaponic system?

Community Answer

As long as the fish eat food from the bottom of the tank, and they are large enough, they should be able to.

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