Hornworms are popular feeder insects to pet reptiles because of their high content of calcium and water. These vibrant green insect larvae, also called hawk or sphinx moth larvae, are particularly popular among bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and other reptilian pets. 

Are you an interested pet owner in hornworms for sale or want to know how to breed your own? 

In that case, TopFlight Dubia is introducing this guide to help you understand all the details regarding hornworms, including their life cycle, husbandry, and breeding. 

What Are Hornworms?

Hornworms benefit chickens if they are the larvae of the Manduca sexta, scientifically named as tobacco hornworm or hawk moth. 

These bright green caterpillars can reach 4 inches, making them a good source of water and food for reptiles. If you have been looking for hornworms for sale, then knowing more about their characteristics and nutritional content is essential. 

Nutritional Benefits Of Hornworms

• High Water Content: Helps keep reptiles hydrated.
• Rich in Calcium: Essential for bone health.
• Low in Fat: Recommended for use in weight control for the reptiles.

Life Cycle Of Hornworms

The life cycle of hornworms is of great importance in breeding. Here’s a breakdown of their four life stages:

01. Egg Stage 

Females of this hawk moth lay eggs on the leaves of its host plants, such as tomato or tobacco plants. These eggs take up to 3 to 5 days to hatch.

02. Larva Stage (Hornworm)  

After hatching, the larvae move on leaves where they feed on it aggressively. The first life cycle stage lasts under two to three weeks, but the larvae proliferate during this stage. 

03. Pupa Stage

This stage is reached when the hornworm matures and lays on the ground to pupate. Depending on the type of caterpillar, this stage takes approximately two weeks, and metamorphosis occurs.

04. Adult Stage (Hawk Moth)  

This grown-up moth comes out and thus starts the cycle all over again. These moths are night-flying, and their main diet consists of nectar.

How to Breed Hornworms?

Rearing hornworms in the comfort of your house is economical because the animals are always supplied with fresh, healthy insects. Here's a step-by-step guide:

01. Subtopical One: Setting Up The Breeding Environment

For breeding hornworms, one has to use an appropriate environment suitable for the habitat of these worms. 

What You’ll Need

• It includes recessed lidded plastic containers with air holes.  
• Hornworm chow or fresh leaves (tomato, tobacco, or pepper plants).  
• A location or medium such as sand or soil to pupae on.

Steps

1. Female adult hawk moths should be placed in a large container with the leaves of the host plant onto which they will lay their eggs.
2. When the eggs are laid, place the female in another location where there is food sufficiency for her with the eggs.
3. Ensure the atmosphere remains moist at about 75-85% humidity but warm at 75°F to 85°F.

02. Feeding And Care 

Hornworms are heavy feeders. Feed them well and provide an excellent life to help them grow. Their diet plan mainly consists of chow and fresh leaves.

3. Encouraging Pupation  

Full-grown larvae do not feed much and search for a proper place to form a pupa. Layer the bottom of the vessel with froth and two to three inches of mud or sand. The worms will then locate a proper place to dig and transform.

4. Emerging Moths

Once in 10-14 days, hawkmoths will come out of the pupa. Put them in an isolation chamber with the planting hosts to optimize the mating and laying of the eggs.

How To Care For Hornworms?

You should care for your live hornworms to afford healthy food for your reptiles. Here’s how to maintain them:

01. Housing  

It is recommended that you put hornworms in a container with good airflow. The container should be large enough for them to move around. 

02. Temperature & Humidity 

• Temperature: The preferred temperature range should be between 75°F - 85°F. 
• Humidity: Ensure the humidity is 50-70%. If necessary, sprinkle them lightly, but do not dampen the container too much.

03. Feeding 

Occasionally, hornworms can be fed with chow or fresh plant foods. If you are practicing worms to sell them or to your reptiles, familiarize yourself with the requirements for feeding your hornworms so that you may be able to rear big and healthy ones.

04. Cleaning  

Take the food and the droppings out daily to avoid mold forming and maintain hygiene.

Common Problems & Their Solutions  

01. Hornworms Not Growing

If your hornworms are not growing, examine their heat index and feed quality. They like warm temperatures for their bodies and always require healthy food.

02. Pupae Not Emerging

At other times, the pupal stage produces no moths because of the low humidity experienced by the pupae. 

03. Mold In The Habitat  

Fungus works very fast in the case of high humidity. It is also essential to wash the container often and always discard any leftovers.

Why Select Hornworms For Backyard Breeding?

Breeding these worms offers several advantages, including:  

Cost Savings: With hornworms for sale, one could save a lot of capital with little effort. This, in turn, helps to cut the long-term overhead costs of procuring one from an external source.  

Quality Control: To give your worms the proper pesticide-free atmosphere, you should decide on multiple things, like what food these worms consume and the nature of the surrounding environment.  

Constant Supply: You won’t run out of hornworms because you’ll be breeding your own.

Conclusion: Caring For Hormworms Is A Sign Of A Pet Lover

Hornworms are an excellent addition to any reptile's diet, aid in their hydration, and provide their body with essential nutrients. 

When it comes to having the best quality food for your pets, such as bearded dragons, TopFlight Dubia is your destination. We offer equally nutritious and delicious food for your pet, “Dubia Roaches.”

Explore different collections and give your pet the ultimate treat. 

"Wiggle your way to healthier, happier pets with hornworms."