Waxworms: Live Feeder Insect Care Guide

Waxworms (Galleria mellonella)are the caterpillar larvae of wax moths and are tan with black feet and small brown or black heads. They are considered a pest by beekeepers as they are a parasite in bee colonies in the wild. They have a very high fat content making them a perfect food source for many reptiles, amphibians, and some pet birds. Waxworms are also very easy to take care of and can survive for a long time at lower temperatures.

Quick Facts

● Waxworms (moths) live in and around beehives and get their name from their ability to ingest beeswax combs.

● In captivity, they can live a long time without food when kept at cool temps.

● Waxworms are high in fat content and make a good feeder insect for malnourished pets.

● In this state of their life cycle, they no longer consume food and live off the fat supplies in their bodies.

Shipping

Our live waxworms are shipped in cups that contain a bedding to ensure they remain healthy prior to feeding. 

Storage

Waxworms should be kept at a constant cool temperature (55-60°); this will keep them dormant and ensure that they last several weeks. Most refrigerators are too cold to store them in, but the refrigerator door or a wine cooler is a little warmer and will usually work fine. It is extremely important to store them at low humidity. If bedding feels moist, remove lids from their containers to allow them to dry out.

Care

Waxworms do not need to be fed. As a daily task, remove any dead worms (they will appear black) and remove the cocoons of any that are spinning.

Offering to Pet

Waxworms are high in fat content and should be offered as a snack a few times a week. They are also excellent feeders for malnourished pets.

Safe Disposal

To dispose of live waxworms responsibly, place in an escape-proof bag or container, freeze for at least 24 hours, and then dispose of in the garbage can. Never release live feeders into the wild as they can be harmful to the native environment!

Learn more about disposal of live feeders here.