Waxworms

Waxworms are white to tan, plump, clearly segmented, and moderately active.

The waxworm has 13 segments (head, thorax, abdomen) and six legs.

Waxworms, like all moths, make silk. Silk is used as a lifeline, as a webbing over which the larvae can walk, and as a material to build a protective cocoon. The silk is produced in a gland under the head and extruded through structures called spinnerets.

Waxworm Pupa

Adult Moth

Waxworm LarvaEggs

Life Cycle of the Waxworm

This recipe makes enough waxworm medium for students to put into their cups and for the classroom culture.4 oz. glycerin1/4 cup sugar1/4 cup hot water1 box (8 oz.) baby cereal (oat)

What do they eat?

The waxworm will advance through the major stages of its life cycle in as little as 6 weeks if the temperature is 28–34°C (82–93°F), more slowly at room temperature. After gorging itself as a chubby white larva, the waxworm is prepared to pupate. In the dark it climbs to the top of its container and spins a cocoon on the wall; in the light the larva spins a cocoon in the medium. Inside the cocoon the larvae rest and transform into pupae. After a week or two the adult moths emerge. The adults neither eat nor drink. After mating, the females lay eggs in the culture and die. If you want to collect the tiny eggs, fold a piece of waxed paper in tight little accordion folds, like a fan, and put it in the container with the adult moths. If the eggs collected in this way are transferred to a container with fresh culture medium, they will hatch after about 10 days, and the cycle will repeat.