First time Breeding Wax Worms

Eclipse

Arachnobaron
Old Timer
Joined
Jun 6, 2007
Messages
470
I bought some wax worms as feed but I was thrown in some extras due to a late delivery. I've never done this before but the tutorial online looked simple enough.
The bedding is made of:
1. 100% raw unfiltered pure honey
2. Toasted wheat germs because I could not find raw plain wheat germs for the life of me...
3. About table-spoon of liquid glycerin, this is optional, but I've heard that it keeps the bedding moist for a longer period.

I mixed it all together and I don't know if they like it or not. They've been at the top for 8 hours now since I put them in. Only a couple have, I wouldn't say burrow, but wedged their way into the bedding. I put a ball of wax paper in the container after I took pictures.



 

Entomancer

Arachnobaron
Joined
Oct 29, 2010
Messages
351
This is pretty much what I did. I never intended them to lay eggs, I just wanted moths to feed to my true spiders; salticids go nuts for the moths.

Since these guys live with honeybees, I'd assume that the adults lay eggs on bee's wax...I just don't know if there's a workable substitute or where get bee's wax.
 

Introvertebrate

Arachnoprince
Old Timer
Joined
Dec 18, 2010
Messages
1,308
Here's a care sheet that runs you through the whole life cycle. It says, "Waxworms infest honey bee colonies where they feed on pollen, honey, and bits of cast larval skins incorporated into comb wax. They can be reared much more easily and economically on an artificial diet."

"Place these pupae in a pint container with a strip of dark paper or a strip of wax paper folded like a fan and held with a paper clip. Females will lay their eggs on these strips."

http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef011.asp
 

bugmankeith

Arachnoking
Old Timer
Joined
Jun 4, 2006
Messages
2,730
A company called Nasco Science sells pre made waxworm feed. I've used it with great success you can find the website online for the US.
 
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