Hi all - just wanted to share my solution for those bugs that can't be stored in the fridge, but can be kept at 50ish-60ish degree temps to slow growth, etc. I have often seen wine coolers suggested for this, but they're big and costly. I found little portable electric coolers instead. They can actually be set to warm or cool, but obviously cool for this purpose. I think they were under $40. They're supposedly sized for a sixpack, but in any case they fit bug cups nicely, and the little shelf can be removed for more flexibility in what you store. :0)
Thank you - I've gotten so much helpful information from lurking here, so it was nice to be able to share an idea. My next step is to experimentally put one of the coolers on a timer that cycles 5hrs on 1 off, to see if that keeps the temp just slightly lower (for the hornworms). They do fine now, but I'd like to try to make that small adjustment with them. ?
I have a johnson controls thermostat for my keg fridge that turns the power on/off (within a tolerance) depending on the temps in the fridge. There are many variants of these on/off programmable thermostats that might do the trick and fit a range of budgets.