calci worms (phoenix worms) turning black

[drakedragon]

i noticed some of my calci worms are turning black, are they still safe to feed to my bearded dragon. they are still alive

 

[speedyfuzzball]

I found this on the Phoenix worm website in the FAQ section:

Q: Some of my Phoenix Worms are turning dark. Are they dead or dying?
A: Usually the answer is no. Turning dark is natural as the worm matures so this is seen more often in the large size. Dark worms actually have the highest levels of calcium. We suggest that you feed any dark worms first while they are still wiggly. Note: Dark, still, worms are trying to pupate but can still be fed. If conditions are just right, you may have a black soldier fly emerge in 10-14 days. Animals LOVE to catch the fly and eat it, too!

I hope this helps!

 

[blue11]

:lol: :lol:
oh my goodness, this reminds me of time i left some pheonix worms in the cup, and i opened it at a later time, and and jumped back b/c one had turned into a fly (black soldier fly) ... and it just STARTLED me more than anything, it was trying to zoom out and i got all freaked out and closed the lid back.
it was hilarious in restrospect! hahaha.
but yea, if they go long enough, and stay alive, some will turn into flies. And you can tell usually by the darkening and blackening
~Em

 

[drakedragon]

think i'll freak out if any of them turn into flies

 

[blue11]

haha! yea. well, ive only had one do it out of hundreds and hundreds of phoenix worms ive feed Blue over the years ... you will use them up before that happens!!! it can happen, it does happen (obviously, hello!) hahaha, but i didnt put mine in the fridge to help them stay dormant. i had forgotten about a container i had them in for a while, out of the fridge, and one had became a buzz buzz fly.

 

[drakedragon]

how big are the flies

 

[blue11]

i dont know, i only saw it buzzing around and put the top back on super super quick. just looked like a fly to me. i didnt see it much.