Hornworm breeding

[Mushu_the_dragon]

Hi!

I've decided to go on the adventure of breeding hornworms. I currently have four of them in their cocoons and husband and I are building a Manduca enclosure for when they emerge. Since I'll be using these worms for feeders, anyone know the best thing to put in their enclosure to catch eggs? Websites tell me tomato plants but that's a no-go since they're toxic to beardies. Looking for other safe options. Any guidance would be much appreciated! I am hanging a hummingbird feeder for them with store bought mix.

 

[xp29]

I don't know, but I'm going to follow this thread, it's something I've wondered about for a while.

 

[Mushu_the_dragon]

I don't know, but I'm going to follow this thread, it's something I've wondered about for a while.

I spoke to an insect manager at Josh's Frogs, and he said you can use a fake plant, but he just lets them lay eggs on the screen. I've also seen people use pool noodles inside the moth enclosures, so the eggs stick to those. I just want to see if there are any other options to explore.

 

[Rocky2022]

This is interesting...

 

[Mushu_the_dragon]

My husband and I built a moth enclosure for when these guys emerge! One looks like it will be very soon. Stay tuned!

 

[Chris.]

Good luck with that, hopefully it works out. It might not help much but I came across this guy who tried breeding hornworms for his dragons. Might be worth a look: