Raising Wax Worms in an Aquarium

Wax worms are the larvae of wax moths in caterpillar form. These insects are popular as fish bait and are used as food for pet reptiles such as lizards and amphibians. Though these insects are available at most large pet store chains, many people prefer to save money by breeding and raising their own wax worms. All you need to raise your own wax worms is an empty aquarium to contain them and food to help them grow.

  1. Uses for Wax Worms

    • Wax worms are high in protein and calcium, which makes them an excellent food source for both fish and terrarium pets. While they may be most popular as bait for anglers, these insects also serve as food for aquarium fish. Because wax worms are high in fat, you should use as a supplement rather than a staple in the diet of aquarium fish. For reptiles and amphibians, on the other hand, wax worms are an important food source. Perhaps the most popular use for these insects, however, is by anglers for bait.

    Setting Up the Habitat

    • The size of your wax worm habitat may depend on the size of the population you plan to cultivate. In most cases, a 10-gallon aquarium is sufficient. Before you set up your wax worm habitat, sterilize the aquarium and dry it well. Fill the aquarium with pieces of cardboard, bits of paper towel and empty toilet paper tubes. These materials will provide plenty of places for larvae to spin their cocoons as they begin to mature. Keep the tank dark and warm, about 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and cover it with a mesh lid to allow air to circulate.

    Feeding

    • In order to raise about 500 mature wax worms, you will need about 1 1/2 lbs. of food. To create food for your wax worms, mix one box of baby cereal with 7 tbsp. of glycerin and 7 tbsp. of honey. Compact this mixture into a ball, adding up to 3 tbsp. of water if necessary. To distribute the food, crumple portions of the ball and spread the food in a 1/2-inch layer along the bottom of the glass aquarium. Place the pieces of cardboard and paper towel on top of the food.

    Tips for Raising and Breeding

    • In order to start your wax worm colony you will need to purchase a container of wax worms from your local pet store or order them online. Remove the insects from the container you purchased them in and place them in the 10-gallon aquarium. Over the next few weeks the worms should begin to spin cocoons and will eventually emerge as adult moths. To limit the production of your wax worms, remove some of the cocoons from the aquarium and store them at 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep the population in your wax worm farm manageable while also ensuring that you have an adult population on hand to keep the colony reproducing.