Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A near and dear friend of mine is breeding Matis and Ladybeetles out the wazoo. She has thousands upon thousands of them and I was wondering if any of these species are safe to feed to my bearded dragon....

Currently she is breeding (and over stocked):

Stagmomantis Californica- "California Mantis"
harmonia Axyrids- "Asian Ladybeetle"

She has many more species. But these she currently is OVERSTOCKED on and we were both wondering if perhaps these critters would be safe to feed to my colony of beardies.

We both have come to the conclusion that on the Mantis, no ifs ands or buts, we would have to do some "minor mutilation" in order to prevent cutting of the beardies.

The beetles we were a little questioning on if they would be safe or not. All are farm raised and free from pesticides, but we weren't sure if the beetles might maturally be poisonous or anything (ladybeetles being hardy and nearly indestructable little critters!)

Any ideas? Suggestions?

Thanks for your time....

If your friend really has that kind of over flow, Id be happy to take some mantids off her hands.
-----
- Mike Fourquet

Cloaca Herpetoculture
www.CloacaHerps.com

Well, I am planning on paying her for these insects....
I just need to know if they are safe or not....

We're both pretty confident in the fact that more likely than not the mantids would be, but what about the beetles?

Once we have made a discovery about feeding the beardies these critters, I will ask her if she might be willing to sale more of them. My beardies eat a lot though, LOL

I've always read that "ladybugs" are toxic, so you wouldn't want to feed them.

I've never tried, however.

Good luck,
Indiana_Dan