**ALWAYS OPEN LIVE INSECTS OUTSIDE OR OVER ANOTHER CONTAINER**
Table of Contents:
- What are waxworms?
- Are waxworms the same as black soldier fly larvae or butterworms?
- What do waxworms turn into?
- What are the nutrition facts for waxworms?
- Are waxworms high in fat?
- Are waxworms good for my pet to eat?
- Can waxworms be used as staple feeders?
- How do I house/store my waxworms?
- What do waxworms eat?
- What do I do if my order arrives dead?
- What do I do if I receive the wrong order?
What are waxworms?
Waxworms are the larvae of the Greater Wax Moth, Galleria mellonella. The larvae may look like large maggots, but they are more like caterpillars.
Are waxworms the same as black soldier fly larvae or butterworms?
No. Although they may look similar, waxworms, black soldier fly larvae, and butterworms are very different insects. Black soldier fly larvae (aka NutriGrubs) are low in fat, high in calcium, and suitable for use as a staple feeder. Butterworms are larger than waxworms and have a red-orange color.
What do waxworms turn into?
Depending on what type of waxworms you have, waxworms will pupate into Lesser Wax Moths (Achroia grisella) or Greater Wax Moths (Galleria mellonella). Wax moths are quite nutritious and can be fed to your pet for variety.
What are the nutrition facts for waxworms?
- Moisture — 58.5%
- Protein — 14.1%
- Fat — 24.9%
- Ash — 0.6%
- Fiber — 3.4%
- Calcium — 243mg/kg
- Phosphorous — 1950mg/kg
Are waxworms high in fat?
Yes, very. Despite their small size and resemblance to black soldier fly larvae, waxworms have an extremely high fat content compared to other feeders.
Are waxworms good for my pet to eat?
Yes and no. They are a good source of protein and vitamins, which means that they are not just "empty calories" for exotic pets. However they are very high in fat, so they should not be fed regularly.
Can waxworms be used as staple feeders?
No. Due to their extremely high fat content, waxworms should be offered as occasional treats for omnivorous and insectivorous pets. Feeding waxworms too often can lead to excessive weight gain and associated health complaints such as fatty liver disease.
How do I house/store my waxworms?
Waxworms are very easy to keep. Your order will arrive in a small plastic container with sawdust substrate. Stick this container in the door of your fridge to keep them dormant so they will last longer. Remove dead waxworms (black) regularly.
What do waxworms eat?
Waxworms generally eat a mix of grains, bran, and honey, but you will not need to feed them. Keeping them cool keeps them in a dormant state where they don't need to eat or drink.
What do I do if my order arrives dead?
We make every effort to ensure that your order arrives alive, which is why we also include a few extra to compensate for any losses. However, we can't always guarantee the weather or how the postal service will treat your package. If your order arrives dead, please send us a photo of the dead waxworms in the container that they were shipped in. Once this is verified, we will send you a replacement or issue a credit to your account. We can't guarantee waxworms that have been left out on your porch for more than 1 hour.
What do I do if I receive the wrong order?
If you receive the wrong item, shoot us a message with your order number, the item you received, and the item you were supposed to receive. We do our best to avoid mix-ups, but mistakes still happen on occasion, and we'll be happy to send you a replacement.
If you have any questions that haven't been answered here, go to the page for your product in question and scroll to the customer reviews and post your question there.
Learn more about waxworms in our Waxworm Care Sheet!
