Small Hornworms
Looking to purchase only this item? Explore our Small Hornworms with FREE SHIPPING option here.
*PLEASE NOTE: Our Small Hornworms will arrive as eggs or extremely small larvae. They won’t grow as large as our medium-sized ones and are ideal for tiny pets. The eggs or tiny worms may not be visible in the cup. We ship them small since most customers have petite animals to feed, and sending larger worms risks them growing too big during transit delays of just a few days.
IMPORTANT: These Small Hornworms are packaged in an 8oz “economy” cup, unique to our store. They aren’t designed to grow significantly in this container, so we advise feeding them to your pet promptly to prevent overgrowth or food depletion.
Hornworms, the larval stage of the Hawk Moth (Manduca sexta), are notorious garden pests in the wild, munching on tomato, eggplant, and tobacco plants. In captivity, however, they serve as excellent nourishment for reptiles, amphibians, and insect-eating invertebrates.
CAUTION: Avoid feeding wild-caught hornworms to your pets. The plants they consume in nature, like tomato leaves, are toxic and could harm your animal!
How frequently should hornworms be fed?
Hornworms can be a regular part of your pet’s diet, but they shouldn’t be the only food source. Balance their intake with other insects for optimal health. Hornworms have less protein and fiber, so overfeeding can lead to loose stools. A diverse insect diet ensures proper nutrition and regular digestion.
Is calcium dusting required for hornworms?
No need to dust hornworms with calcium; they naturally possess a favorable calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, making them a nutritious choice as is.
Guide to maintaining your hornworms:
Each cup holds 12-24 worms along with sufficient food to reach 1-2" in about a week. They grow rapidly despite their small start! Need more food? Check out our Hornworm Food (Dry, 2oz).
The cup serves as a complete habitat for hornworms. Upon arrival, invert the cup so the lid is at the bottom. The worms will climb to the food via the screen, while waste falls to the lid for simple cleanup. Ensure the lid has ventilation for proper airflow.
We ship smaller worms to give you a fresh batch and control over their growth rate. For rapid growth, maintain temperatures above 80°F; for moderate growth, keep at 72°F; for slower growth, store at 50°F.