Are red (dyed) maggots safe as food?

Cororon

Arachnoknight
Joined
Aug 8, 2018
Messages
268
I took a chance and gave my adult female Steatoda bipunctata a red maggot, meant as fish bait, and she ate for an hour. Obviously, the maggots don't seem to be affected by the dye except for getting a red-pinkish hue. But is it safe for spiders to eat these maggots?

She looks fine and has been working on her web a little, and now she's chillin' in her retreat.
 

Vanisher

Arachnoking
Old Timer
Joined
Oct 2, 2004
Messages
2,533
Red maggots are collord to be red. I would not feed those. Safer with the natural ones i guess?
 

Cororon

Arachnoknight
Joined
Aug 8, 2018
Messages
268
Yeah, I will keep an eye on her. I can probably find the normal white ones next month.
 

Cororon

Arachnoknight
Joined
Aug 8, 2018
Messages
268
Do NOT feed coloured maggots to anything except a fish hook.The dye is not good for inverts long term. Stick to the normal coloured ones.
I haven't seen any evidence for this, but it sure is common sense. They could be safe it the dye is carmine red, but the next time I feed her it will be a normal white maggot. The shop I bought them from will get some next week or so.
 
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