Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I bought some Giant Green Horned Worms and four of them just grew too big, too fast and outgrew my chams ability to eat them. They are now the size of small chihuahuas and pupating. I can't release them as the Horned Worms are pests and would (and do) flourish in Southern California. I am tempted to just throw them away, but there will be unusual suffering once they emerge as pteradons (or whatever those massive moths are!). I can't bring myself to taking a boot to them as that is just harsh.

Please let me know what you think, what you have done in similar circumstances, and/or the right thing to do.

~MP
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1.0 Ambanja 10 mos. - LESTER
0.1 Nosy Be 7 mos. - KUBO

The right thing to do is to ensure that they are destroyed. Under NO circumstances should they be freed into the environment. Either find something that will eat the moths, or destroy the pupae. You could put them in the freezer, but I don't know if they'll survive the freezer. If not, you could also roast them in the oven.
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Victor Gomez
gomezvi.tripod.com/sdchamkeepers/
gomezvi@yahoo.com

I would let them pupate. I don't know how many you are talking about. Many captive-reared hornworms don't successfully emerge unless the temp and light cycle is perfect, so if you are hoping to destroy them when they are least aware, pupation may be the time. For those that do (they are hawkmoths), many never fly or feed. If any do, you can try feeding them hummingbird nectar. I don't think the moths live very long either. Mostly breed and die. You could also find a butterfly forum and ask what might be the most humane way to destroy them. Or, find someone who has a larger herp, turtle, or even a hedgehog who might love the pupae.

I had some last year. My chameleons looked terrified of them. I let them bury under the soil and when they emerged as moths i just left them til they died.
Simple..

Please dont take this the wrong way as I am not passing judgment on anyone.

That being said....is it humane to feed the worms to your chams?? Is that anymore humane than squishing the worms or flushing them down the toilet??
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Raf

1.2 Jacksons Adults (Frank, Patty, Lucille)
0.0.1 Jackson's baby (George, R.I.P. 11/17/2003)
1.1 Nosy Be's (Mars and Roja)
1.1 Veiled - No Names Yet
0.1 Adult Sulcatta (POOPIE,I bought it from Victor at Kobey's in SD)
0.0.2 Baby Sulcattas (frick and frack)
1.0 Home's Hingeback Tortoise (SPEEDY, From Victor as well)
1.2 Red ear slider babies (Hingis, Dingis and Dorkus)
0.0.1 3 toed box turtle - No Name Yet
0.0.1 Gulf Coast Box Turtle - No Name Yet
1.0 Red Siberian Husky (Harley)
0.1 Black Lab (Krissy)
0.1 English Bulldog (Alice)
0.1 Blue Merle Great Dane (Wednesday)
Saltwater Fish and Inverts too

BINGO, thats all i have to say about that!

I agree I say flush them
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Tyler Stewart
Las Vegas NV
www.BLUEBEASTREPTILE.com

My cham loves them full grown. I have also pupated them and fed them to my herps. Are you sure they are too big for your cham? Try leaving them in with your cham for a few hours and see if he changes his mind. My leopard geckos even love them and can swallow an adult hornworm.
If your cham is a full grown Veiled or Panther he should be able to eat an adult Hornworm or a pupated moth.