Feeder Hornworms, Large Eco-Cup
This is the large Eco-Cup, the biggest feed-off hornworms in the Eco line. They are ready to feed within the week and suit larger animals. A single-worm option also lets you buy just one, for a one-off treat or to try the large size. Hornworms are a soft, juicy feeder, usually the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, and their high moisture hydrates the animals that eat them.
Largest Worms, Ready to Feed
These worms are already large, so you can feed them off soon after they arrive. Choose the single worm for one feeding, or 6 or 12 for a larger animal’s week. The single option is a low-cost way to test the large size before buying more.
Match the Size to the Animal
Large hornworms can reach a few inches, so feed them only to animals big enough to take them. Keep prey no wider than the space between your animal’s eyes, since oversized prey can cause choking or impaction. For smaller animals, choose the medium or small Eco-Cup.
Eco-Cup or Habitat-Cup?
The Eco-Cup is built for quick feed-off, so it costs less. To grow worms larger or keep them longer, choose the large Habitat-Cup, which is larger and holds more food.
A Soft, Hydrating Treat
Hornworms run about 85% water, so they hydrate reptiles and amphibians, and their soft body digests easily. The feeder worms are captive-bred on a safe chow, so never feed wild hornworms, which can be toxic. For the full background, see the Habitat-Cup page.
Dust and Feed as a Treat
Despite some claims, hornworms are not a calcium source. They carry more phosphorus than calcium, like crickets, so dust them with TC Calcium Ultra Fine before feeding. They are also high in moisture and low in protein, so offer them as a hydrating treat rather than a staple.
Care
Plan to feed off within the week, since the Eco-Cup is not built for long keeping. Keep the worms cool, around 55 to 65°F, to slow growth, but avoid chilling them too hard. Keep the cup upside down in a cool, dark spot.
Best For
- Larger reptiles and amphibians.
- Keepers who want big worms ready to feed off soon.
- Anyone who wants just one large worm as a treat.
- Picky large eaters drawn to bright, moving prey.
Not Best For
- Small or young animals, which need the small or medium size.
- Growing worms larger or keeping them, which needs the Habitat-Cup.
- Use as a staple or a calcium source, since hornworms need dusting.
Recommended Add-Ons
- TC Calcium Ultra Fine to dust the hornworms before feeding.
- Medium Eco-Cup for smaller worms or more counts.
- Large Habitat-Cup to grow or keep large worms.
- BSFL as a calcium-rich feeder to balance the diet.
- Live Hornworms to browse all sizes and cups.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big are large Eco-Cup hornworms?
They are the largest size and ready to feed off within the week. They suit larger reptiles and amphibians.
Can I buy a single hornworm?
Yes. The single option is one large worm, useful for a one-off treat or to try the large size before buying more.
What is the difference between an Eco-Cup and a Habitat-Cup?
The Eco-Cup is for quick feed-off. The Habitat-Cup is larger with more food, to grow worms larger or keep them longer.
Can I feed large hornworms to a small animal?
No. Match prey to your animal’s size, since oversized prey risks choking or impaction. Use the medium or smaller size for smaller animals.
Are hornworms high in calcium?
No. They carry more phosphorus than calcium, like crickets, so dust them. Their real benefit is hydration and a soft, easy-to-digest body.
Learn More About Hornworms
These sources cover the biology of the tobacco hornworm and feeder supplementation.
- Manduca sexta Overview. A reference on the tobacco hornworm, including how a captive chow changes its color and how it differs from the tomato hornworm.
- NCBI: Diet and Growth in Manduca sexta. University research on how diet shapes the growth of hornworm larvae.
- ScienceDirect: Gut Loading (veterinary overview). A reference on why feeder insects need supplementation, which supports dusting hornworms for calcium.
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