hornworm rearing

[redshulu]

so Ive gotton the worms to pupate, moths to come out, feed, lay eggs. When the eggs hatch, it seems that the little worms are not eating the food in the cup.... Ive been using the great lakes stuff. literally had 1000 eggs and couldn't get any of the little guys past maybe an inch or two. meanwhile the couple eggs that got away from me hatched and the worms destroyed the tomato plants that were around the cage. any tips on what I could be doing wrong

thanks,
louie

 

[pigglett79]

Are you using the deli cups for them or a different container? I usually put the eggs on the lid of the deli cups. I also use the great lakes food and haven't ever had any problems. Once they get around a half inch to an inch I transfer them to a different container.

And yeah, the poor tomato plant is a gonner. Ha. I usually have to buy new ones every time.

 

[JackP308]

Cant help you out but you are local to me. Nice to see. If you get your worms hatching, Ill be your best customer.

 

[Sterlingcham]

Okay so what your gunna need to do is for the first 3-5 days after they hatch you will want to give them heat 24/7 so try can thermoregulate or else they will go into diapause and stop growing what I do and have had huge success with is using a 40watt house bulb and put it shining on the lid of your deli cup and not the food at the top and you want to keep that on 24/7 for 3-5 days I always do five unless its Hott summer time. Then after that you should have them far enough along that they will be able to regulate there temps more easy and u should only need the light at night time when it cools down. I have had almost 100% hatch to growth rate every time since I started doin this way.

 

[pigglett79]

Okay so what your gunna need to do is for the first 3-5 days after they hatch you will want to give them heat 24/7 so try can thermoregulate or else they will go into diapause and stop growing what I do and have had huge success with is using a 40watt house bulb and put it shining on the lid of your deli cup and not the food at the top and you want to keep that on 24/7 for 3-5 days I always do five unless its Hott summer time. Then after that you should have them far enough along that they will be able to regulate there temps more easy and u should only need the light at night time when it cools down. I have had almost 100% hatch to growth rate every time since I started doin this way.

That makes sense. I have a room where all the feeders are that is kept warm.

 

[birdlover71]

have you tried

silk worm chow? I am close to you also. I live in Brooklyn let me know if you do have any luck. Maybe we can trade I do silks and dubias.... Well my dubias are just starting out but maybe we can trade....

Amy

 

[pigglett79]

silk worm chow? I am close to you also. I live in Brooklyn let me know if you do have any luck. Maybe we can trade I do silks and dubias.... Well my dubias are just starting out but maybe we can trade....

Amy

I have had bad experience using silk worm chow w hornworms. They just wouldn't grow.

 

[redshulu]

sounds logical.... might give it another shot. I can't believe these things are considered a pest species. Everyone I know that's tried these guys basically has failed

 

[kjcams]

how long did it take for your moths to emerge? I have had pupae for 5 weeks and they are still alive and moving, but nothing emerging yet.... And did u have luck with the baby worms after using the 40w light on them??

 

[pigglett79]

It can take 4-6 weeks for them to emerge. Mine are taking longer than normal right now.