Feeding Milkweed bugs to my T (Safe or Unsafe?)

[Drezan]

Okay, so, I have a huge farm of Milkweed bugs in my backyard and I was wondering, would it be safe to feed them to my T and slings?

 

[chanda]

I wouldn't recommend it. The reason milkweed bugs, monarch caterpillars, oleander aphids, and other critters eat milkweed is because it is toxic. They have adapted to be able to eat it safely - and to store the toxins in their bodies to make them unappealing to potential predators. They frequently advertise their unpalatable nature with bright aposematic "warning" colors.

In addition to the toxins the milkweed bugs ingest intentionally, with any wild-caught feeders you run the risk of exposing your pets to whatever pesticides or other chemicals or parasites those feeders may have encountered.

 

[Drezan]

Okay, thank you so much! That's what I was thinking as well, but I wanted to get a 2nd opinion.

 

[SonsofArachne]

Same with wild hornworms - they eat tobacco, tomato, and nightshade - all of which are toxic. The store bought ones are fed a different diet, which is why they are safe to feed your pets.

 

[Goopyguy56]

It is a risk to feed anything from outdoors. Crickets are so cheap to buy why bother with something that could hurt a T. I don't feed any wild insects to my t's. Don't know where they have been.

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

I’ve

Same with wild hornworms - they eat tobacco, tomato, and nightshade - all of which are toxic. The store bought ones are fed a different diet, which is why they are safe to feed your pets.

never once seen them for sale anywhere near me. My car is shot but I haven’t checked my lps for those beetles I need for my dubia. Doubt they have them !!