Butterworms (Chilecomadia moorei) are the Chilean Moth in its larval stage, they are a great source of calcium and protein. Not suitable as a staple feeder due to the fat content, they are a fantastic occasional treat for any pet due to their captivating scent and colour! Measuring on average between 2-3cm in length butterworms are also known as Tebo worms or Trevo worms.
In the wild, the butterworm eats the leaves from the Tebo Tree. Upon receiving your order of butteworms you simply put them in the fridge, the hibernated state slows their metabolism and means they have no need for any food or water. They will survive like this in your fridge for up to 4 months!!
Housing
Keep your butterworms in a plastic container, with an organic substrate, like wheat bran for example. Place the container in the refrigerator, but make sure they will remain dry. Check the worms after about an hour. If they are webbing the substrate together, leave them. If they are not, change the substrate right away. Damp substrate will lead to mould forming. They can survive anywhere from 1 to 4 months in a hibernated state.
Breeding
Butterworms are irradiated before being shipped from Chile. This prevents the worms from pupating into a moth, as many countries see the Chilean moth as a pest, Chilean laws prevent them from leaving the country with the ability to pupate to Moth. So butterworms cannot be cultured at home.
Disease & Sickness
The main point to pay attention to is the dampness of the substrate the worms are kept in. You want to avoid mould growing in the container. Ensure that you change any damp bedding in their container and you should have no problems.
