Breeding Hornworms

[Lyvigirl]

I am going to attempt to breed hornworms. But considering it's the middle of winter in Ohio I can't find tomato plants for the moths to lay their eggs on. So can I use anything in place of it? Or what would be the next best thing? TIA.

 

[nick barta]

They will lay on any surface, it is just more work to flick them off of an entire cage.
I have heard you can smear tomato juice on a surface and the moths will be attracted to it.

CHEERS!

Nick

 

[ChameleonCrazy]

Take a look on eBay, last time I checked you could buy tomato and other live plants on there year round.
- Chris

 

[Craigwyatt]

Do not buy a tomato plant for your hornworm project. It will make them toxic to eat.

 

[ChameleonCrazy]

The tomato plant is fine for the moths to lay eggs on. You would then want to remove eggs and raise them on another diet such as chow, etc. so the worms are not toxic.

 

[Andee]

I have read that they also lay their eggs on potato plants. Since they are both in the same family it makes sense.