Small Silkworms for Sale
Small silkworms run about 1/4″ to 1/2″, the step up from the extra small size. They are the larvae of the silk moth Bombyx mori, and they suit small-to-mid reptiles and growing juveniles. Silkworms are soft-bodied and easy to digest, high in protein, and low in fat, so they make a strong staple or a nutritious treat. TC grows them in a Houston silkworm lab with clean breeding.
A Step Up in Size
Small worms fit animals that have outgrown the extra small size but are not ready for larger prey. So they work well for growing juveniles, and you can move up to the medium size as your animal grows. Because silkworms are counted by hand, sizes are approximate.
A Soft, Nutritious Feeder
Silkworms have no hard shell, so they digest easily and carry a low impaction risk. That suits picky eaters, young animals, and pets recovering or needing to rehydrate. Many reptiles take them even when refusing other feeders, so they earn a regular place in the diet.
Calcium and Variety
Silkworms have a better calcium balance than crickets or mealworms, one of the few feeders that come close to a healthy ratio. So many keepers feed them without dusting. Even so, vary the diet and lightly supplement for fast-growing or breeding animals, and feed silkworms as part of a rotation since they are high in moisture.
Care
Keep silkworms at room temperature, not in the refrigerator, since cold harms them. Keep them with their chow, since they ship with only 2 to 3 days of food. Buy more chow to grow them out or hold them, and larger worms eat faster. Cared for well, a batch lasts about a month.
Best For
- Growing juveniles and small-to-mid reptiles.
- Picky eaters and young or recovering animals.
- Keepers who want a soft, nutrient-dense staple.
- Rehydrating animals that need a gentle feeder.
Not Best For
- The smallest animals, which suit the extra small size.
- Larger reptiles, which suit the medium or large size.
- Long cold storage, since silkworms cannot be refrigerated.
Recommended Add-Ons
- Pre-made Silkworm Food to keep and grow your silkworms.
- Extra Small Silkworms for smaller animals.
- Medium Silkworms for when your animal grows.
- TC Calcium Ultra Fine for light supplementation when needed.
- Live Silkworms to browse all sizes, food, and eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are small silkworms?
They run about 1/4″ to 1/2″, a step up from extra small. They suit growing juveniles and small-to-mid reptiles.
Are silkworms nutritious?
Yes. They are soft and easy to digest, high in protein, low in fat, and have a favorable calcium balance, so they make a strong staple or treat.
Do I need to dust silkworms?
Less than most feeders, since silkworms have a good calcium balance. Still, vary the diet and lightly supplement for fast-growing or breeding animals.
How do I keep them?
Keep them at room temperature, not in the fridge, since cold harms them. Keep them with chow, and buy more to grow or hold them.
Which size should I get?
Choose small for growing juveniles, the extra small size for the smallest animals, or the medium size as they grow.
Learn More About Silkworms
These sources cover silkworm nutrition and biology.
- Insects (MDPI): Nutritional Value of Silkworms. A scientific review of silkworm protein, fat, and mineral content.
- NCBI: Diet and Silkworm Composition. Research on how the rearing diet shapes a silkworm’s nutrition.
- Bombyx mori Overview. A reference on the domesticated silk moth and its life cycle.
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