Wax worms

Wax worms are larvae of wax moths (Pyralidae). They are most commonly used in food for pets as they are rich in fat contents. They have the ability to survive for weeks in low temperatures and the also breed easily.

Wax worms as live food:

They make a highly rich food for insectivorous animals and plants. They are high in proteins and calcium and can be feed to reptiles like lizards, snakes or turtles. However, they are very fattening and should be feed moderately, preferably as treats instead of dietary supplements. Refrigerated ones are also used as fish baits, especially for sunfish and variety of Panfish.

Breeding:

Wax worms are very easy to breed. Steps to follow-

  • Can use any plastic or glass container bigger than 2 ½ gallons with a screened lid of plastic or metal mesh or cloth secured by taping.
  • Prepare bedding of bran and honey mixture. Can put fresh apples, green leaves and oranges for further nutrients. Also add fresh twigs.
  • Place wax worms in the container. Throw in some crumpled balls of wax paper as well.
  • Keep the container in room temperature. The worms will gradually begin to spin cocoons in about two weeks. The process can speed up if the container is kept in a higher temperature.
  • These cocoons or pupa will hatch as moths. The moths will mate, lay eggs and die in a week or so. They will lay eggs in the wax paper.
  • Small larva will be born from the eggs. Store them in small containers with air holes and some bran and honey mixture in the refrigerator. This will slow down the process and be used as food for pets and baits.
  • The process will begin again if the larva is left in the breeding container.

Stages of wax worms:

  • Greater wax worm moths are gray or brown about ¾ inch long and a wingspread of about 1 ½ inches.
  • Wax moths lay eggs that are very tiny and white in color.
  • Eggs hatch into larvae which are milky white or light tan. They can crawl both forward and backward when disturbed.
  • On maturing, larvae spin silken thread as they eat turning into dark gray or brown.
  • They spin their white silk cocoons and enter the pupa stage.

Wax worms are easily available at any bait shops, biological supply houses and with local beekeepers. They can also be found in weak honey bee hives.