Hornworms | Large | Habitat-Cup™

Large Hornworms for Sale

These are large hornworms in a Habitat-Cup, the biggest size in the line. They are ready to feed now, with little or no grow-out needed, and they suit larger animals. Because they are the biggest worms, they carry the most moisture, so they hydrate well. Each cup holds 25 worms. Hornworms are a soft, juicy feeder, usually the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta.

Ready to Feed Now

Unlike the smaller cups, large hornworms need little growing. So they suit keepers who want big, hydrating worms right away. The Habitat-Cup still has screened sides and food, which lets you hold them a bit longer if you are not feeding them all at once.

Match the Size to the Animal

Large hornworms can reach a few inches, so feed them only to animals big enough to take them. A good rule is to 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 size instead.

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 small 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 use them as a hydrating treat rather than a staple.

Care

Since these are already large, keep them cool, around 55 to 65°F, to slow further growth, but avoid chilling them too hard. Keep the cup upside down in a cool, dark spot. The cup includes food, and you can add more hornworm food if you hold them longer.

Best For

• Adult bearded dragons and large chameleons.
• Larger frogs and other big insectivores.
• Keepers who want big, hydrating worms ready now.
• Picky large eaters drawn to moving prey.

Not Best For

• Small or young animals, which need the small or medium size.
• Use as a staple or a calcium source, since hornworms need dusting.
• Quick feed-off on a budget, where the large Eco-Cup fits better.

Recommended Add-Ons

• TC Calcium Ultra Fine to dust the hornworms before feeding.
• Medium Habitat-Cup for a smaller start.
• Large Eco-Cup to feed off quickly at this size.
• Hornworm Food to hold or grow your worms.
• Live Hornworms to browse all sizes and cups.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big are large hornworms?

They are the biggest size and can reach a few inches. They are ready to feed now to larger animals, with little grow-out needed.

What is the difference between a Habitat-Cup and an Eco-Cup?

The Habitat-Cup holds worms longer, with screened sides and food. The Eco-Cup is for quick feed-off or testing.

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.

How do I care for them?

Keep them cool to slow growth, store the cup upside down in a cool, dark spot, and add hornworm food if you hold them longer.

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.