The Waxmoth (Galleria mellonella) and the Lesser Waxmoth (Achroia grisella) are both highly nutritious with soft skins these catterpillars are great as an occasional food item, especially good for building up sick animals. The adult moths are also useful as a food source for many species.
- First you will need a tall glass jar with a screw on metal lid.
- Cut a hole in the centre of the lid and glue a piece of aluminium or galvanised wire mesh over the hole.
- Mix up the medium as follows: 1 part whole bran, 1 part wheat germ, and then add honey till you create a dry crumbly mixture.
- Place a 1-2” layer of the mix in the bottom of the jar.
- You are now ready to introduce the starter culture.
- Screw up a few sheets of paper towel and place in the jar on top of the contents of your starter culture, this will provide the Waxworms with a dry area to pupate and a place for the adult moths to perch.
- Screw on the lid well as the hatchling worms are very tiny and can squeeze out of very small spaces.
- Store the culture in a warm, dark, well ventilated area and wait. The culture will take a long time to get going, Lesser Waxmoth produce faster than the normal form but once it has got going it will soon boom, it is a good idea to set off new cultures at regular intervals to produce a constant supply of Waxworm of all sizes.
