tent catapillars

[ciafardo 4]

Can you use gypsy moth catapillars as feeders ? They only eat the leaves of cherry trees or apple trees but i dont know if they are toxic.,

 

[Docility]

i asked the same thing a few days ago and i had received some posts saying they were poisonous

 

[AFH]

Interesting question. I guess someone would have to acutally identify the type of catapillar/moth to know if it was toxic. I occasionally feed wild caught moths that gravitate to lights in the backyard and haven't had any problems. I would figure that a catapillar/moth that feeds on non-toxic food sources would be okay.

 

[lele]

Can you use gypsy moth catapillars as feeders ? They only eat the leaves of cherry trees or apple trees but i dont know if they are toxic.,

The hairs on gypsy moths, eastern tent and many other caterpillars can be an irritant to your cham's throat. I would steer clear. Stick with smooth or knobby cats. Other things to be aware of are nature's warning colors: red/orange/black/yellow combos (monarch for example) and be aware of what food plant they have been feeding on and if they are toxic.