Phoenix Worms
( Hermetia Illucens )
Phoenix Worm Background
The Phoenix Worm is the larval stage of the soldier fly, scientific name hermetia illucens linnaeus. Larvae are soft bodied grubs that are torpedo-shaped and flattened, with skin (exoskeleton) appearing firm and tough. The head is small and narrower than the body, which bears no legs or other features except hairs and spines. The back of the larvae are blunt and contain breathing pores called spiracles. The Phoenix Worm is fed a grain based diet. Adult soldier flies are about 5/8-inch long. They are black with smoky black wings and are energetic and robust.
The Phoenix Worms larvae hatch from eggs and develop through several stages before pupating inside of the last larval skin. However, the Phoenix Worm will last for weeks in the cup they are shipped to you in before pupating. They do not need to be fed or cultured, so the Phoenix Worm makes for a care-free and easy live feeder.
Nutritional Values of Common Feeders Take a look at this chart and you'll see the excellent nutritional content of the Phoenix Worm. Phoenix Worms and Silkworms are simply the most nutritious feeders on the market today. These worms are packed with calcium and phosphorus and are relatively low in fat. Because of their high nutritional content, there's no need to dust or gut-load them. The Phoenix Worm's high calcium content makes it an ideal feeder for gravid females or for animals whose owners are hoping to become proud parents. The high calcium content will allow the breeding female to retain and use larger than normal amounts of natural calcium for strong and copious egg production. In addition, many experts believe that the high calcium content of the Phoenix Worm may halt or reverse the effects of metabolic bone disease.
The Nutritional Value of the Phoenix Worm
The Advantages of Feeding Your Animals Phoenix Worms
Here's why your pet will love Phoenix Worms:
They wiggle like crazy which excites and entices herps. Great food for a picky eater!
They taste good (a guess, but herps greedily consume them)
Come in four sizes to satisfy most pets, from darts to dragons
Stimulate the appetite of animals that don't readily feed
Can halt or reverse the effects of metabolic bone disease
Provide a boost of nutrition for gravid or just-laid females
A great start for all hatchlings!
Instructions for Keeping Phoenix Worms
1. Do not refrigerate your Phoenix Worms. Keep them at room temperature. Although they can tolerate high temperatures, Phoenix Worms will have the longest shelf life at 50-60° F.
2. Keep the Phoenix Worms in the cups that they are sent to you in.
3. Do not feed your Phoenix Worms. They do not require any food and will last for weeks without pupating. The packing media in the cup that the Phoenix Worms are sent to you in is not food but is an organic material that is ideal for storage. If the material becomes almost completely dry, you should add a few drops of water to keep it slightly moist.
4. Keep the lid on the cups. The special cup will allow the Phoenix Worms to have enough air and must be kept closed to ensure long shelf life.
5. The Phoenix Worms will begin to turn dark colored as they age. This is perfectly normal and does not affect their value as a live and nutritious feeder.
