Wild caught moth please look.

[ReptileLover0423]

Okay so I know there are several controversial discussions about wild caught insects. I caught this moth tonight and I never seen one like it. Anyone know if it would be safe for my chameleon?

 

[camaleonte82]

i have fed that same moth to every WC reptile pet i have ever had. as long as you feel comfortable that it hasnt been exposed to pesticides...
http://www.harpymusic.com/wildinsects.htm#5__bees_wasps_spiders_and_ants_are

 

[ReptileLover0423]

Thanks.....

 

[Texas Panther Man]

Most if not all moths are safe to feed. Its the butterflies that you have to be careful of. Monarch butterflies in particular are off limits. I feed moths whenever I catch a few. I actually had a big luna moth by my porch light last night. I just couldnt feed the guy off though he was too big and pirty. lol

 

[ReptileLover0423]

All right thank you. LoL yea I have seen a few huge moths but the big ones give me the willies.

 

[Carlton]

All right thank you. LoL yea I have seen a few huge moths but the big ones give me the willies.

Generally, moths that are dull or camoflage colors are OK to feed (assuming they haven't gotten sprayed with a pesticide). Moths or butterflies that have bright colors are risky because they often have a bad taste or will make the predator sick. The bright color is a warning.

If you live near agricultural areas be especially careful of potential broadcast spraying. I gave two of my chams to a friend (from a rural area in the midwest) when I had to move across the country. The next summer she fed them some supposedly safe dull colored night flying moths. Both chams started showing major neurological problems and died within 48 hours. Her other chams did not get moths and survived. BE CAREFUL!!

 

[ReptileLover0423]

Thanks for the advice and I will definitely be careful.

 

[Texas Panther Man]

I hold all wc insects overnight and dont feed them off for about 24hrs. Theres no way to be 100% about them being pesticide free, but if you wait 24hrs most insects will show signs or be dead. Personally I collect from 2 areas and only those two areas because Ive used them both for 3 yrs. Imho its worth the risk to feed wc hoppers & katydids, the occas moth or dragonfly because of the benefits Ive seen in my collection.

 

[ReptileLover0423]

Makes sense. I will start holding them 24 hours befor feeding thanks.