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does anybody know a list of poisonous and non poisonous bugs that are edible to herps

alebron Sep 14, 2003 06:20 PM

Almost all the animals that I have eat insects, and insect field guides don't have much info on poisonous or non poisonous bugs.

Replies (8)

Rob Jenkins Sep 14, 2003 06:44 PM
goalielocks Sep 14, 2003 08:49 PM

I was at a seminar at the Mid Atlantic Reptile sshow on bugs today. It was hosted by Erin Mcclay of Ed's fly meat. She mentioned that monarch butterflies are poisonous because they eat milkweed but other than that she says to stay clear of anything you can't identify.

xelda Sep 14, 2003 10:17 PM

I think you're taking on a poor approach. There are so many bugs out there that divide into millions of subspecies, that you can't really depend on a generalized list to cover them all. For every species, you're gonna run into exceptions. Take grasshoppers for example. Well, yeah in general they're ok for herps, but there are a few species that you do not want to feed to your herps. If you wanna know if a bug is ok to feed to your herp, do your research for that particular species, NOT some quick reference to a broad list. You OWE your pets that much.
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chickabowwow

xelda Sep 14, 2003 10:19 PM

I think you're taking on a poor approach. There are so many bugs out there that divide into millions of subspecies, that you can't really depend on a generalized list to cover them all. For every species, you're gonna run into exceptions. Take grasshoppers for example. Well, yeah in general they're ok for herps, but there are a few species that you do not want to feed to your herps. If you wanna know if a bug is ok to feed to your herp, do your research for that particular species, NOT some quick reference to a broad list. You OWE your pets that much.
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chickabowwow

alebron Sep 14, 2003 10:40 PM

I just man bugs you can have in your back yard. I use katidids, certain moths, field crickets, diferential grasshoppers, worms, tree crickets, and certain catipillars. The ones with out any bright markings or bristles. I seen list of plants which are good or not for herps, so I wonder if their is a list of bugs.

TIm L. Sep 14, 2003 11:14 PM

Well, like what all the others said, insects are infinite, even in your backyard. Since many insects are unknown, I'd suggest you just continue feeding your leos with your selection of wild insects menu, since it's the safest way.

Tim

cheshireycat Sep 15, 2003 03:45 AM

Where do you live?

There are SO MANY bugs that are dangerous (click beetles and lady bugs weren't mentioned)... so just play it safe and only use the ones you know are safe. Most flies, roaches, certain small moths, earthworms, etc.

And those grasshoppers Xelda was talking about (great post, btw, Xelda) are larvae. I used to catch them as a kid all the time and never knew they were poisonous. They're so cool-looking, too... because they're black with some multi-colored blotches :D
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Got hips like Cinderella / Must be having a good shame / Talking sweet about nothing / Cookie I think you're Tame

meretseger Sep 15, 2003 12:15 PM

The vast majority of moths are ok (if the leo can catch them)... flies are generally ok.. June bugs are ok... I'd just feed them stuff I could recognize. I don't know if insect field guides list toxicity or not.
(Harming monarch butterflies is illegal in some places anyway... but viceroys are ok )

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