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There two major species that are referred to by the name “hornworm.” These species’ scientific names are Manduca quinquemaculata and Manduca sexta. This species is harmless to humans – although it is a well-known pest throughout the US, where they are native to. Luckily, they have not quite reached the point of creating significant economic damage to crops across the country and are typically only the bane of the hobbyist or small-space gardener. One of their names, the tomato hornworm, tells it all. This hefty caterpillar is most recognized for targeting tomatoes but will also feed on other vegetables in the nightshade family, including eggplants, peppers, and potatoes. In one year, there may be two generations to pass through one crop.

Butterworms are most well known for their usefulness as fishing bait, although, they are also highly valued as a reptile feeder species. In fact, they are great as a feeder insect particularly due to their bright color and attractive scent that makes them a tempting snack to even some of the more stubborn pets. The allure of this species is that they are quite mysterious – very little is known about this insect, given that they are raised successfully only in Chile (the country they are native to). Essentially, any time they are used elsewhere, whether as fishing bait or reptile food, they are an imported product.

The waxworm is an incredible feeder insect that has many purposes outside of nourishing our beloved reptiles. Although their adult form, the greater wax moth, is not necessarily much to see, their versatility in applications to human and animal life is unmatched. Not only do they provide high levels of nutrition to your pet reptiles, but they are also being considered as a biological control method to fighting pollution and can even produce silk, like other feeder insects such as the silkworm. Waxworms are a multipurpose feeder insect that would undoubtedly benefit both you and your pet.

Silkworms are one of the most fascinating feeder insects available for reptile owners. With a history stretching back thousands of years in Chinese culture, they have now been domesticated all over the world for purposes ranging from silk production to feeding lizards and turtles! Their versatility has allowed them to be one of the richest sources of nutrition for your pet, and – with the right experience – can be quite a fun pet to keep as well!

If you’re in the market for a new feeder insect for your reptile, superworms are a great choice! They are high in protein and fat, and can generally provide a rich, source of hydration and nutrition for your pet. These critters are quite easy to raise. If you want to learn more about superworms and need guidance in deciding whether it’s the perfect insect for your pet, consult the guide below!

Mealworms are some of the most popular feeder insects for reptiles and amphibians, and among the easiest to raise and care for. These little critters are highly nutritious for pets such as lizards and frogs – and if you so desire, you can munch on a few as well! If you’re searching for the great feeder insect read on to learn all about the delectable mealworm.

Tokay Gecko Care (Gekko gecko)

A tokay gecko can make an excellent pet for a seasoned reptile owner who is willing to put some time into training and be patient as the gecko is adjusting. They are timid and secretive by nature but can warm up to their masters with regular interaction. Some people even consider them to be good luck. Native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, tokay geckos often live among humans where they can be found on walls and ceilings catching unwanted insects. The second largest species of gecko, tokay geckos are recognized for their bright colors and spots. The most popular color scheme to find them in is gray with bright blue and orange or yellow spots. Tokay geckos can lighten or deepen their color to blend in with their surrounding habitat. They have larger heads than other gecko species, thick bodies and strong jawlines. They also have tails that detach when threatened, though they do grow back in a matter of weeks.

Pacman Frog (Ceratophrys ornata)

Named after the classic arcade game character, Pac-Man frogs get their name from their round body, enormous mouth and ravenous eating habits. They make great pets since they are hardy, easy to care for and readily available. Pac-Man frogs are nocturnal, terrestrial amphibians and are indigenous to the rainforests of South America. They spend much of their time sitting on the forest floor and eating anything that moves near them. Pretty much any prey that walks by will be eaten immediately.

Axolotl Care (Ambystoma mexicanum)

Very unique pets, axolotls are large salamanders that live entirely under the water, never surfacing onto land. Pronounced ACK-suh-LAH-tul, they never undergo a complete metamorphosis from the larval stage (with gills) to adult stage, as other salamanders do. Instead, they stay in their larval stage, breathing and living underwater their whole lives. Axolotls originate from Lake Xochimilco in Mexico, and their wild populations are critically endangered due to climate change, pollution and draining of the lake.

Panther Chameleon (Furcifer Pardalis)

A rainbow of bright and vibrant colors, the panther chameleon is a very unique and delightful reptile to own. Panther chameleons are indigenous to Madagascar and were first imported to the United States in the 1980s. Their natural habitat is the tropical rain forest – where they live in the trees and vines above the forest floors. The vertical tendencies of the panther chameleon allow you to create a fun and visually stimulating environment full of vines, branches and both live and artificial plants. Note, panther chameleons do not usually enjoy being handled, so they are best for people who will be happy just watching them.

Gargoyle Geckos (Rhacodactylus Auriculatus)

Named for the horn-like bumps on their head, gargoyle geckos make great pets that are both fun to look at and also super easy for reptile beginners. They are simple to care for, widely available to purchase and are known to thrive in captivity. Gargoyle geckos have large, round captivating eyes and can be found in a variety of red, white, orange and yellow shades. You can find them in an assortment of different patterns and sizes. Gargoyle geckos are nocturnal, and once they wake up in the evening, they are very active and amusing to watch as they play around. If you have more than one, you may even hear your gargoyle geckos communicating with each other via a variety of squeaks, growls and barks.

Bearded Dragon Care(Pogona Vitticeps)

The bearded dragon, or Pogona Vitticeps, is arguably one of the best types of lizards to have as a pet. Like humans, bearded dragons are awake during the day and sleep during the night, making it easy to interact with them. Bearded dragons are very alert and playful, demonstrating great enthusiasm over feeding time and especially chasing around crickets. They are very docile and friendly towards humans and other household pets and quickly become accustomed to being handled and petted by their owner. Bearded dragons get their name from the row of spiky scales beneath their head that resembles a beard when puffed up. Originating from the deserts of Australia, bearded dragons come in a wide variety of different colors. You can find them in colors ranging from darker browns and reds to lighter yellows and shades of white. They have triangular shaped heads and muscular flat bodies with rows of spikes down each side of their abdomens. Unlike other lizards, bearded dragons do not lose their tail when threatened, and if they do happen to lose their tail, it doesn’t grow back.

Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius)

The leopard gecko is an impressive looking creature, and its docile and easy-to-tame nature makes it an excellent pet. Originally from the desert regions of Southern Asia, the leopard gecko is very common today and has been domesticated in the United States for over 30 years now. Leopard Geckos are nocturnal, land-dwelling and usually move at a pretty slow pace. Leopard geckos have quirky personalities that make them very exciting to own as pets. They are vocal and make squeaking noises when they are excited or hungry. Leopard geckos also have a tail that rattles like a rattlesnake when they are hunting insects or about to mate. They have vertical shaped pupils, use their tongue to clean their eyeballs and are one of the few gecko species that have eyelids and prominent outer ears.

Crested Geckos (Correlophus (Rhacodactylus) ciliatus)

Once believed to be extinct, crested geckos were discovered again in 1994, and since then their praise as great pets has gradually increased. Native to a semi-tropical island chain near Australia called New Caledonia, crested geckos get their name from the spikey crest that runs from their back, up around their neck and over their eyes. They are perfect for beginning reptile owners because they are easy to care for and are very low-maintenance. Crested geckos come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Their color shades vary to include browns, oranges, creams and reds. Some crested geckos have no pattern at all, and some have different sized bands and spots. They are sometimes referred to as eyelash geckos because of the ridges on the skin above their eyeballs. Crested geckos enjoy climbing around on plants, vines and even the walls of their terrarium. You will certainly have fun decorating their habitat and creating fun areas for them to climb on and jump around.

Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus)

With their beautiful colors, exciting patterns and unique features, veiled chameleons are quite the sight to see. They have tall helmet-like headpieces atop their heads and crested ridges above their eyes that look like veils – hence their name, veiled chameleon. Their bodies are primarily green and have dynamic patterns in combinations of oranges, yellows and browns. Veiled chameleons are relatively large compared to other reptiles and are tree-dwellers, living their life up in the trees, branches and vines. Like humans, veiled chameleons are very active during the day and sleep at night.