Hornworms as Feeder Insects: Care, Nutrition & Feeding Recommendations
Hornworms (Manduca sexta), also known as tobacco hornworms, are one of the most nutritious and highly sought-after feeder insects for reptiles, amphibians, and even some pet birds. These fast-growing, high-moisture feeders provide exceptional hydration and nutrition, making them an excellent addition to your pet’s diet.
However, hornworms require proper care to maximize their lifespan and growth before feeding. In this guide, we’ll cover how to care for hornworms, their nutritional benefits, a comparison to other feeder insects, their life cycle, and how to use them effectively as feeders.
The Nutritional Value of Hornworms
Hornworms are packed with hydration and nutrients, making them a great supplemental feeder for many reptiles. Their soft body, high moisture content, and excellent calcium-to-phosphorus ratio make them particularly beneficial for species prone to dehydration.
Hornworm Nutrition Profile (Per 100g Dry Weight)
Protein: ~9%
Fat: ~3% (very low, great for weight management)
Calcium: ~46 mg/kg (higher than crickets and mealworms)
Moisture Content: ~85% (one of the most hydrating feeders)
Hornworms vs. Other Feeder Insects (Nutritional Comparison)
Why Hornworms Are a Great Feeder Option
✔ High Hydration Content – With 85% moisture, hornworms help keep reptiles hydrated, especially those that don’t drink often.
✔ Low Fat & High Calcium – Ideal for reptiles needing a lean protein source without excessive fat.
✔ Soft-Bodied & Easy to Digest – Their soft exoskeleton makes them a great choice for picky eaters, young reptiles, and pets prone to impaction.
✔ Stimulates Appetite – Their bright green color and wiggly movement make them irresistible to even the pickiest eaters.
Why Choose Hornworms as Feeders?
Hornworms are an excellent feeder insect, but they should be used as a supplement rather than a staple diet due to their low protein and high moisture content.
Best Uses for Hornworms:
✔ Great for Dehydrated Reptiles – Due to their high water content, hornworms are perfect for bearded dragons, chameleons, and geckos that need extra hydration.
✔ Perfect for Picky Eaters – Their bright green color and soft body make them irresistible to reptiles that refuse other feeders.
✔ A Good Treat, Not a Staple – Because hornworms lack the protein levels of Dubia roaches or crickets, they should be used as a treat or hydration booster rather than a staple food.
Hornworm Growth & Life Cycle
Hornworms grow extremely fast, and their size can double within 24 hours under optimal conditions.
Hornworm Growth Stages:
✔ Egg Stage – Hornworm eggs hatch within 2-4 days at warm temperatures (78-82°F).
✔ Larvae Stage (Feeder Stage) – This is the stage sold as feeders. Hornworms will grow from ¼ inch to over 3 inches in 7-10 days.
✔ Pupal Stage (Cocoon) – After 2-3 weeks of growth, hornworms will burrow and form a pupa.
✔ Adult Stage (Moth) – The sphinx moth, also known as the hawk moth, emerges after 3-4 weeks in the pupal stage.
How to Hatch and Care for Hornworm Eggs
Hornworm eggs are small, round, and typically laid on the underside of leaves in the wild. When purchasing or breeding hornworms, proper hatching and care will ensure healthy larvae.
Hatching Hornworm Eggs:
Temperature & Humidity – Keep the eggs at 78-82°F with moderate humidity (~50-60%) for optimal hatching.
Incubation Time – Eggs typically hatch within 2-4 days under ideal conditions.
Avoid Excess Moisture – High humidity can cause mold growth and negatively impact hatch rates.
Light & Airflow – Provide indirect light and ensure proper ventilation.
Caring for Newly Hatched Hornworms:
Provide Food Immediately – Baby hornworms require food as soon as they hatch. Offer hornworm chow to ensure proper growth.
Keep in a Ventilated Container – Use a well-ventilated container with a breathable lid to prevent excess moisture buildup.
Maintain Temperature – Keep at 78-82°F for rapid growth or lower to 55-65°F to slow development.
Monitor Growth – Newly hatched larvae will rapidly increase in size; feed them accordingly to avoid overcrowding.
Caring for Hornworms: How to Keep Them Alive & Healthy
Hornworms require proper care and feeding to maximize their growth and lifespan before being fed off to your pet.
1. Housing & Environment
Keep hornworms in a well-ventilated container with adequate space to grow.
Store them at 55-65°F to slow their growth and extend their lifespan.
If you want them to grow faster, keep them at 78-82°F.
2. Feeding Your Hornworms
Hornworms eat a specialized diet called hornworm chow, which is included with your order.
A small amount of chow is provided, but if you plan to keep them longer, you may need extra hornworm chow.
DO NOT feed them tomato, tobacco, or other nightshade plants—these can be toxic to reptiles.
3. Preventing Overgrowth & Spoilage
Hornworms grow very fast—to slow their growth, keep them at cooler temperatures (55-65°F).
If they outgrow the desired feeding size, they may be too large for smaller reptiles.
4. Handling & Storage
Hornworms are delicate and can be easily crushed, so handle them gently.
Avoid exposing them to high humidity, as excess moisture can lead to bacterial growth.
What Happens When Hornworms Turn into Moths?
If left to cocoon, hornworms will transform into large, brown Sphinx moths within a few weeks.
🐛 Fun Facts About Hornworm Moths:
✔ They are called "hummingbird moths" due to their fast, hovering flight.
✔ Unlike silkworm moths, they can fly and feed on nectar.
✔ If you want to breed hornworms, you can allow them to pupate and emerge as adults!
Which Pets Benefit from Hornworms?
Hornworms are great for a wide range of pets, including:
🦎 Bearded Dragons – Great for hydration and a tasty treat.
🦎 Chameleons – Stimulates appetite and adds variety.
🦎 Leopard Geckos & Crested Geckos – A high-moisture alternative to crickets.
🐍 Snakes (Smaller Species) – Some species enjoy hornworms as an occasional treat.
🐸 Pacman Frogs, Tree Frogs, & Toads – Excellent for moisture and enrichment.
🐢 Box Turtles & Aquatic Turtles – A soft-bodied, easy-to-eat food option.
🕷 Tarantulas & Invertebrates – Great for large spiders and other exotics.
Where to Buy Live Hornworms
At PNW Reptile Bites we offer high-quality live Hornworms in various sizes to meet your reptile’s needs. Each order includes a small amount of hornworm chow. We recommend feeding them off before the food runs out.
📌 Order now! We offer flat-rate shipping and local pickup options for your convenience.
🌍 Shop Now: www.PNWReptileBites.com
Final Thoughts
Hornworms are one of the best feeder insects for hydration, nutrition, and variety. While they shouldn’t be a staple feeder, they are an excellent treat for reptiles that need extra moisture or stimulation. By properly storing and feeding hornworms, you can maximize their lifespan and size before offering them to your pet.
🐛🦎 Happy Feeding!
