I raised my baby toads on mostly fruit flies. Once I got some fruit flies into the room, I'd put a fresh piece of fruit- like an apple slice or a cut in half grape in the toad tank. The fruit flies were always around, always reproducing - OH and if you do this, I wouldn't let that piece of fruit stay in the tank too long, I'd say 3 days max. (Though rotting fruit just attracts fruit flies more, I'd be cautious of fermentation/molds and the likes)

One other way was I took a standard pillow case and a sturdy wooden quilting ring (you can find these at craft stores -they also sell metal ones which probably would work better for this. They just cost more) and made a bug net out of it which works very well for catching bugs. There are always teeny tiny bugs in the pillowcase after you do a couple 'swoops' in the grass (high grass has more bugs per swoop usually). You will catch mainly leaf hoppers (or, rather, i guess I should ask first where you are located since I"m not sure leaf hoppers exist in your neck of the woods!) I always look like a dork outside when trying to catch bugs, but its all worth seeing how excited my toads get when I pour the bugs in! Its also worth checking up on what bugs may be poisonous first. I've heard some bugs such as lightning bugs, stink bugs, and lady bugs may be harmful - so if you see any of those pick them out before you put them in the tank.

If you'd like to hear more on the homemade pillowcase bug net and the technique I use to catch the bugs, let me know. I'd be happy to give anyone instructions. IMPORTANT: only gather bugs from an area that is pesticide/chemical free!

-Laurah

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