INVERTEBRATES
Feeding Guide
A natural, moving live food your spiders, mantises, scorpions and other predatory invertebrates will respond to. Here's everything you need to know about feeding Calciworms.
WHY DO INVERTEBRATES RESPOND TO CALCIWORMS?
Spiders, praying mantises, scorpions and other predatory invertebrates often respond strongly to movement, using sight, vibration or ambush behaviour to detect prey. Calciworms are soft-bodied and available in different sizes, making them easy to offer as part of a varied feeder insect routine.
Feed according to the size, age and species of your invertebrate. As a general guide:
One or two small larvae at a time
A few suitably sized larvae
One or more larger larvae, by appetite
Only offer what your animal is likely to eat within a short feeding period. Remove anything uneaten.
A shallow feeding dish is often the easiest way to offer Calciworms. It keeps the larvae contained and easier to find, especially in enclosures with soil, bark, moss or loose substrate.
Some invertebrates will take Calciworms from soft-ended feeding tongs for controlled feeding. Never force food — if the animal backs away, leave it and try again later.
- Keep Live Calciworms in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight
- Follow the storage instructions on the pack
- Use them while fresh
- Avoid exposing them to excessive heat or moisture before feeding
- Pupating Calciworms: keep in a secure, ventilated container so emerging flies can't escape
Start with appropriately sized Live Calciworms on a clear part of the enclosure where movement is visible. As a simple guide, choose prey comfortably smaller than your invertebrate's body size, starting small and increasing gradually as the animal grows.
Top tip
For praying mantises and other visual hunters, large Calciworms can be left to pupate and hatch into flies — active, moving prey that encourages a strong feeding response. Only hatch what you're likely to use.
Live or dried Calciworms?
Live Calciworms
The best option for most predatory invertebrates. Movement helps trigger hunting behaviour, and soft bodies make them easy for many species to take. Offer in a shallow dish or clear feeding area so they don't burrow away before being eaten.
Dried Calciworms
Usually less suitable, since most predatory invertebrates prefer moving prey and may ignore dried food. Some scavenging or omnivorous species may accept it, but for spiders, mantises and scorpions live food is usually the better choice.
CalciWorms or mealworms?
Softer-bodied than mealworms and easier for delicate feeders to take
Naturally high in calcium
Mealworms have a tougher outer shell that can be less suitable for some species
A useful alternative in a varied feeder insect routine
Tiny predators deserve premium nutrition
Premium British-farmed Calciworms, delivered with care.
Visit the shop →