Summer project

[lysinlight87]

Hi,

I have a Summer project for university, which involves catching and documenting different insect species and then making an identification chart. As I'm fortunate enough to live on the edge of a national park, I'll have lots of healthy bugs to feed Neelix, as a bonus. I know there's a lot of debate about feeding wild-caught insects though- so I might not run the risk, I haven't decided. I certainly wouldn't feel him any from my village anyway (it has a incinerator, a dump, industrial estate, power station, sewage works...the lot lol my house is even built on an old dump.) But, from the forest itself, should be good because it's protected from pollution, fertilisers, insecticides, etc.
My question is, are there any species I should avoid? Any that are toxic? My instinct is to avoid insects that have warning colours (reds, yellows, stripes) and caterpillars with hairs that we wouldn't be happy touching.

 

[Trillian]

Very useful project to have! Some members regularly feed wild-caught insects, and from the sounds of that forest you'd be unlikely to have any issues with toxic chemicals etc. The members who do regularly feed WC insects usually recommend keeping the insects for a few days and feeding them to make sure there is nothing toxic in their stomachs. There would also be a risk of passing on parasites, so it might be worth getting a vet checkup done after the project is over, just to make sure he didn't pick up anything nasty.

Can't help with which bugs are safe, I'm afraid, but another member will be along soon I'm sure. Your cautious plan sounds like a good one, and I can't think of any insects in the UK which would be particularly nasty. In the wild chameleons will pretty much eat anything that is small enough and in the environment they live in, so hopefully Neelix will also add his own common sense and avoid things he doesn't like the look of!

 

[Lizardlover]

Keeping the insects for a few days just depletes whatever nutrients they had to begin with. Parasites can be found in any insect including store bought ones. Your chameleons will really benefit from eating fresh wild insects.

 

[lysinlight87]

Keeping them for a few days sounds like a sensible precaution because I don't know if the insects might have eaten a plant that's toxic to Neelix.
He's never been checked for parasites, so the project also makes a convenient opportunity to get him checked out & for me to check out the reptile vet!

 

[Lizardlover]

Unless an insect is toxic and is adapted to eat a certain toxic plant they will not eat a toxic plant, or a plant that will make them toxic. If an insect is toxic its toxic and vice versa, it can not be made toxic.

 

[lysinlight87]

oh, ok. Thanks for clearing that up

 

[Trillian]

Thank you for the clarification! So which wild bugs would you warn against, or are they just the obvious warning ones as Lys mentioned?

 

[Lizardlover]

I'm not sure where you're located, but the only deceiving insects that come to mind in regards to the color rule are lubber grasshopper nymphs. They are black but eat a variety of toxic plants and secrete a toxic bubbly foam when threatened. Stay away from catterpillars, and hairy insects. If you're unsure about something post it so we can ID it for you . Live insects are great for captive chameleons and make up a big part of my chameleons' summer diet.

 

[lysinlight87]

If you're unsure about something post it so we can ID it for you . Live insects are great for captive chameleons and make up a big part of my chameleons' summer diet.

hehehe, the ID part is the main task in my project. I'd have to cite you as a reference lol