Virgil1972
Avid Member
My cham likes dragon flys and moths.
Are these insects safe?
- Thread starter trickedoutbiker
- Start date
Bigsky
Established Member
Most species of night flying moths should be fine, but watch for some that have brightly colored hind wings- these may be a warning sign for predators. Any of the cutworm or armyworm species should be fine. I collect grasshoppers by using a sweep net, and offer those of appropriate size to my chameleons. There are some predatory insects that are active during the day, and should be avoided. These include the nabidae and others that obviously have piercing mouthpards. I have had only one fatality from these, however.
Don't be concerned about insecricidees if you know the history of the field management. The bugs would be dead if they were sprayed.
Now, a question- how do lizards eat bees and wasps without being stung? MY bearded dragons love them, and seem to handle them safely.
I avoid flies that commonly freqjuent rotten meat or plants. They might be ok, but it seems that they would be likely to carry nasty bacteria.
trickedoutbiker
Avid Member
I try to research anything new thst I do to the fullest extent that I can so I don't harm my cham
The field was five miles out into the country away from a city. Doesn't get sprayed.
I realize the overwhelming consensus is to not feed wild caught insects, however veiled chameleons (and other chameleons) wouldn't be thriving in various parts of South Florida if wild insects weren't relatively safe and provide much of the nutrition necessary for a chameleon to thrive on. I know nearly every insect or larva can harbor some parasites, even captive bread although less likely. That being said...
In general, how safe are locusts/grasshoppers for chameleons? I plan on captive bred black soldier flys and discoids as staples and captive bred silkworms and possibly wild caught locusts as suplimental feeders. Anyone have any scientific research or first hand experience to share what parasites can be passed from insect to lizard?
In general, how safe are locusts/grasshoppers for chameleons? I plan on captive bred black soldier flys and discoids as staples and captive bred silkworms and possibly wild caught locusts as suplimental feeders. Anyone have any scientific research or first hand experience to share what parasites can be passed from insect to lizard?
trickedoutbiker
Avid Member
Painted Ladies are the ones I was after. Those are the ones that Mulberry Farms sells. I was going to catch them and look them up to tell the difference. But I never found any, so I guess it doesn't matter today. Perhaps another time.
Chachi
Established Member
No lightning bugs (fireflies)!!!!
trickedoutbiker
Avid Member
I know they are toxic. If they weren't, I would have like 5 months worth of food hahaha. They're everywhere
Bigsky
Established Member
Monarch and painted lady butterflies are easy to identify, just look at some photos. Again, monarch butterflies and larvae are toxic, birds wont even eat them. The toxin comes from milkweed plants that the larvae feed on. Chams probably would spit them out rather than swallow them.
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