Moths

[RSGriff]

I have been reading several threads over the past couple weeks about feeding wild caught moths to chams. It appears that the general consensus is that they are safe to feed so long as you are in an area where the moths are unlikely to come in contact with pesticides and if you avoid moths that feed in their moth state. Some of these threads went on to say that moths are "good" for chams so I decided to start looking at nutritional facts for moths but have found nothing. I was wondering if anyone had information as the nutritional benefits or lack there of of moths and also if it varies between species of moths.

Back to my info search

 

[Lizardlover]

moths have no nutritional benefits to chams, except for the fact that they cause stimulation and enrichment for your chameleon, so they DO benefit chams but not nutritionally

 

[sandrachameleon]

I would guess moths have limited nutritional value, given that they have used most of the resources stored by the larva to pupate into the moth and most dont subsequently eat. The benefits, as I see it, is in terms of interest. A chameleon that doesnt get moths often will, in my experience, find the "new" prey attractive because it is different, and because its movement/flying. I tend to wipe off much of the dust/scales that enable the moth to fly, so that it flutters a weak flight only (and thus is unlikely to escape the cage) and isnt as dusty to eat. THis is only personal preference, no evidence there's anything wrong with eating moth scales

 

[Lizardlover]

i never wipe off the scales, I also catch butterflies for my cham, some are ok like cabbage, peacock. painted lady, etc. as a general rule bright colors are bad. stick with moths though they are all safe.