green inchworms! YUM!

[ernstjanl]

Hi All,
my Day Geckos and Chameleon are gorging on green inchworms (winter moth caterpillars).
We need to get them out of our maple trees on an organic farm. there are literally hundreds on each branch. they keep well in fridge or given maple leaves.
Babies and small to medium species will hork them down, (they are mostly 1/2 to 1 inch long, and easy to eat)...and I think they are a great diet diversifier.
If you want a supply, like 100-500 (or more) let me know! God knows there are tons of these tasty but non-native invaders on our maple trees etc.
I shake branches over a sheet, and viola!
Drop me a line if interested, especially in bulk.
Ernie 508 771-0470 or eluikart@capecod.net
Happy munching

[annieb_mice]

Sorry for butting in here.... but... if these are "wild" insects, are you certain they are safe to feed? My concern would be if they were feeding on plants or trees that have been sprayed with pesticides which could possibly be passed on to whatever ate them.
Good luck!
Annie B. <:3 )~~

[ernstjanl]

Yes, that's a valid concern....as an AP chemistry/envi sci teacher, I know a lot about pesticides....
In this case, I know that there is no spraying program on the Cape, and secondly, I am getting them only from my friend's trees-- he is an organic farmer/boat builder/solar energy guy and has never used pesticides on his property. He has plenty of winter moth caterpillars-- when they hatch in December (weird) his house looks like it is shingled with small brown moths.
Also, my cham and day gecks have been stuffed for 2 weeks on these guys and are happy as can be.
Another note-- this is an important warbler/songbird migration area and they are all here for these inchworms- spraying would not be allowed here as long as there are any ecology-minded people here! Thanks for the question. -Ernie Luikart

[annieb_mice]

Great to hear!! I know of several people that catch "wild" insects and rodents to feed to their animals and then wonder why the animals are in such poor health. :P I would never use pesticides myself and try to be pretty picky as to what I buy in the store... most of my fruits and vegetables are from local small farms that I know are pesticide free. :) Sounds like your critters and the local birds are in for a nice treat... :)
Take care
Annie B. <:3 )~~