Small white moving things in hornworms

[NewChamMom2020]

Hi there,

Today I found lots of these little white moving things in the hornworm container. Can someone help me identify what they are? I have never experienced this before with my previous hornworm purchases. I dump out the hornworm frass every day and just noticed this today. Are they parasites of sorts? I plan on throwing them all away-- what's the best way to do so?

Thanks so much!

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Unless someone knows exactly what they are from experience, I'm afraid those pics aren't much help.
Have you got a loop (10X magnifier)? If you can get a better look, you may be able to match them here:
https://www.google.com/search?q=tin...WJVs0KHXi_DxMQ_AUoAXoECA4QAw&biw=1024&bih=636

You could also try asking the vendor.

 

[rlschwer]

They're most likely some type of grain or detrivorous mite. They won't hurt your chameleon, but may cause irritation or stress to your hornworms and any other insects you might have. Mites tend to spread quickly, so if you keep colonies of feeder insects, they could become infested. If you don't, and usually just buy what you need, they'll likely be harmless and go away when you throw out that container (either now or after you finish off the hornworms). There is a small risk that they could attack some plants, especially the plants are already injured/sick/stressed, but that is not especially likely.

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

There is a small risk that they could attack some plants, especially the plants are already injured/sick/stressed, but that is not especially likely.

Having been collateral (I'll stop short of adding "damage") to many "Missus vs. the invading houseplant bugs" campaigns, I'll reticently disagree with minimizing this risk. YMMV.

 

[Chameleomom]

If it was me I would toss them...not worth the risk

 

[Hibiscusmile]

Looks like mites, but there is a wasp that lays eggs on hornworms and it is gruesome to see. They acutally hatch into like a maggot and become a 1/4" long. The wasp lays them in the hornworm and they feed off of it. If thats the case, they won't hurt your baby.