About Our Live Hornworms
Our live hornworms are the ultimate choice for picky insect eaters. Highly nutritious and incredibly hydrating, these vibrant green feeders are perfect for stimulating a feeding response in reptiles that may have lost interest in other insects.
Hornworms are an excellent feeder choice for: Bearded Dragons, Chameleons, Geckos, Skinks, Monitors, and Frogs.
Why Choose Our Hornworms?
- Superior Hydration: Composed of over 90% water
- Soft-Bodied: Extremely easy to digest for all life stages
- Fast Growing: Watch them reach "giant" size in just days
- Bright Color: High-contrast green triggers natural hunting instincts
- Shipped fresh from our facilities in Ohio and Oregon
Hornworms vs Other Feeder Insects
| Feeder Insect | Nutrition Highlights | Hydration Level | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornworms | Low fat, high calcium | Excellent (90%+) | Soft body, triggers picky eaters | Short shelf life, grow very fast |
| Superworms | High protein, higher fat | Moderate | Very active, long shelf life | Can bite |
| Mealworms | High protein | Low | Easy to store, clean | Harder exoskeleton |
| Silkworms | Serrapeptase enzyme | Moderate | Highly nutritious, very soft | Sensitive to care |
| Crickets | Moderate protein | Moderate | Affordable, active movement | Noisy/Harder to contain |
Growth and Temperature Control
Hornworms grow at an incredible velocity. To maximize growth, keep them at 80°F. If they are reaching the desired size and you wish to slow their metabolism, move them to a cooler 60°F environment. Do not refrigerate.
Shipping Information
We ship hornworm orders Monday–Friday directly from our specialized facilities in Ohio and Oregon. We offer USPS, Ground, and FedEx/UPS 2-Day shipping to ensure your worms arrive healthy and active.
Live Arrival Guarantee (LAG)
We guarantee live arrival on all shipments. To maintain eligibility for our guarantee:
- Hold for Pickup: Required if your local temperatures are below 45°F or above 80°F.
- Reporting: Any issues must be reported within 2 hours of delivery with clear photographic evidence.
- Ventilation: Upon arrival, ensure pods are stored on a surface that allows airflow through the screen lid.
Hornworm FAQ
We purposefully ship at a smaller size (1/4”–1/2”) to ensure they stay healthy and have plenty of food for the journey. With supplemental chow, they grow exponentially fast!
The food provided in the cup is designed for transit. To grow them into large, "giant" size feeders, we highly recommend purchasing our Premium Hornworm Chow.
Yes. Because they have no hard exoskeleton (chitin), they are one of the safest feeders for young reptiles and amphibians.
Check Out Our Other Products
Hornworms for Reptiles
Hornworms are an excellent feeder choice, especially for picky insect eaters. They are highly nutritious and provide vital hydration for all reptiles.
Comprehensive Growth and Care
To get the most out of your hornworms, follow these professional care tips:
- Growth Velocity: For maximum growth, keep at 80°F. If you need to keep them at their current size for a few days, move them to a cooler 60°F environment.
- Housing: Always keep the pods upside down. This allows frass (waste) to fall away from the worms, keeping them clean.
- Ventilation: Ensure they are stored on a surface that allows airflow through the screen lid.
- Food Supply: The provided food is designed for transit. To grow them into large, "giant" size feeders, supplemental chow is highly recommended.
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
Live Arrival Guarantee: To qualify, your order must be held for pickup in temperatures under 45 degrees and above 80 degrees. Claims must be supported with clear photos within 2 hours of delivery.
Comparison Guide
| Feature | Hornworms | Mealworms | Crickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydration | Excellent (90%+) | Low | Low |
| Body Texture | Soft/Easy to digest | Hard/Chitinous | Active/Jumpy |
| Ease of Care | Fast growing | Slow/Hardy | High maintenance |
Frequently Asked Questions
We purposefully ship at a smaller size (1/4”–1/2”) to ensure they stay healthy during transit. With extra food, they grow exponentially fast!
Yes, they are excellent for beardies, chameleons, and geckos. Because they are soft-bodied, they are very safe for hatchlings and adults alike.
