Waxworm Care Sheet
Waxworms (Galleria mellonella), the larval stage of the Wax Moth, are a great 'snack food' for lizards. We say 'snack food' because waxworms are very high in fat content, and should be offered very sparingly. They have a light tan coloured, very soft body, with a tiny brown head. These worms are excellent feeder insects for malnourished animals. They should not be fed to baby lizards in quantity, and should only be offered a few times a week, and only one or two at a time.
Waxworms are native to Australia and grow to be about 3/4 inch to 1 inch in length.
Nutritional Information for Waxworms
- Moisture: 60.97 %
- Ash: 0.97 %
- Protein: 15.40 %
- Fat: 20.12 %
- Other: 1%
- Calcium (ml/100 grs): 13.14
Food & Water
If you keep your waxworms in the refrigerator, they do not need to be fed anything. The hibernative state slows their metabolism and negates any need for food. Like the food, waxworms will not need any water when in their hibernative state.Lighting, Temperature & Humidity
5 - 10 degrees C in your refrigerator.
Housing
Keep your waxworms in a plastic container, with an organic substrate, like oat meal or wheat bran. Place the container in the refrigerator, but make sure they will be dry. Once in a while, check the worms. If the substrate is damp, change the it right away. Damp substrate will lead to mould forming. They can survive anywhere from 1 to 4 months in a hibernative state.