Small Hornworms
Looking to purchase only this item? Explore our Small Hornworms FREE SHIPPING option here.
*NOTE: Our Small Hornworms are shipped as eggs or tiny larvae. They won’t grow as large as our medium size and are ideal for tiny pets. The eggs or small worms might not be visible in the cup upon arrival. We ship them at this stage since most customers have small pets, and delays in shipping (even 2-3 days) could result in worms growing too large if sent at a later stage.
PLEASE NOTE: Small Hornworms are packed in an 8oz “economy” cup, unique to our store. These are not designed for significant growth, so we advise feeding them off promptly to prevent them from outgrowing the cup or depleting their food supply.
Hornworms, the larval stage of the Hawk Moth (Manduca sexta), are notorious garden pests in the wild, feeding on plants like tomatoes, eggplants, and tobacco. In captivity, however, they serve as an excellent food source for reptiles, amphibians, and certain invertebrates that eat insects.
CAUTION: Do not feed wild-caught hornworms to your pets. The plants they consume in nature, such as tomato leaves, are toxic and could harm your pet.
How frequently should hornworms be fed?
While hornworms can be a regular part of your pet’s diet, they should not be the sole food source. Pair them with other insects like those from ReptileSupply.com for balance. Hornworms have lower protein and fiber content, and overfeeding can lead to loose stools. A diverse insect diet ensures optimal nutrition and healthy digestion.
Is calcium dusting required for hornworms?
Thanks to a favorable calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, hornworms don’t typically need calcium dusting before being fed to your pet.
Guide to maintaining your hornworms:
Each cup includes 12-24 worms with sufficient food to reach 1-2" in about a week. They start small but grow rapidly! Need more food? Check out our Hornworm Food (Dry, 2oz).
The provided 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 development, store at 50°F.