toxic bug list ? do we have one?

[little leaf]

I know there is a safe/bad plant list- is there any type of page that is on the forum that list toxic bugs? even if it is not "by state" - but maybe the most common type we may find? I am in NW Ohio, is there anything anyone knows of I should watch out for besides wasp and bees? I plan to let Olive stay out during the day in a big cage - but I dont want her to get "bad bugs"

 

[sandrachameleon]

I've seen a couple threads on this topic where people list things known to be troublesome. I think the problem with creating such a list is that it couldn't be completely comprehensive, leaving the possibility of someone thinking that a bug not on the "bad" list must be safe when in fact it may not be. Safer to check the known "safe" lists.

some bugs to avoid:
assassins bugs
centipedes
monarch butterflies (most butterflies actually)
fireflies
ladybugs
lubber grasshoppers (other grasshoppers/locust are fine)
boxelder beetles
hornworms that have been eating nightshade plants (such as tomatoe leaves)
hairy caterpillars
milkweed bugs
bees (they are a threatened and necessary species, please don't kill them unnecessarily!)
wasps (Unless stingers removed).
spiders (potentially bad, but some people still use them)
wild caught terrestrial isopods/ rollie polly / wood bug (captive bred ones are great though)
wild caught flies (bacteria risk - use cultured ones)
anything with spikes that could damage the tongue (like large mantids, some beetles)
most brightly coloured bugs
slugs
water snails (captive cultured land snails are great though)
any bug that may have been eating a plant that is toxic to chams

 

[little leaf]

we have almost everyone of those "running wild" here - maybe I just better keep her in a bubble - how about May fly ?
is there a link to the "safe bugs" - I just want her to get some real sun, but not get hurt eating something that may get in with her -
Thanks for the help

 

[sandrachameleon]

these links might be useful to you:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/74-feeders.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/213-use-wild-caught-insects.html
http://web.archive.org/web/20060503233712/www.chameleonjournals.com/husbandry/
http://www.ivanalfonso.com/2011/06/chameleon-diets-wild-collected-insects/
I've never offered may flies to my chams, but I believe people eat them so good chance they are safe. You might want to start a thread specifically asking about mayflies in the title, to ensure you get some more input

 

[JimO]

I thought I heard that cicadas are ok. Several species are abundant down here throughout the summer.

 

[JimO]

I just wanted to mention that these are fantastic blog entries. I know it took a lot of time to put that together - thanks Sandra!

these links might be useful to you:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/74-feeders.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/213-use-wild-caught-insects.html
I've never offered may flies to my chams, but I believe people eat them so good chance they are safe. You might want to start a thread specifically asking about mayflies in the title, to ensure you get some more input

 

[sandrachameleon]

I just wanted to mention that these are fantastic blog entries. I know it took a lot of time to put that together - thanks Sandra!

my pleasure

 

[little leaf]

I just wanted to mention that these are fantastic blog entries. I know it took a lot of time to put that together - thanks Sandra!

ditto - THANK YOU so very much for the info