For the first time in over a year, we have been able to get silkworms to stay healthy through the 5th instar and cocooning without the mass die off experienced in the past by us, many private breeders and distributors too.

In the fall of 2005, a virus hit the silkworms being imported into the U.S. and that seemed to be followed by bacterial infections too. During that time, many silkworm breeders went out of business as they could not get a start up stock going again. I know I reordered eggs multiple times and young silks, only to lose them within a short between 2nd and 3rd instar. I was able to get a few colonies to the 4th instar and some even to cocoon, but they were erratic, failed to hatch..

During that time I was uncertain of using these as feeders, due to a bacteria that was also affecting many breeders silks. Finally with some young silks from Coastal Silkworms last month, I was able to raise them without any health problems or dieoffs to adults and spinning. Hopefully I will have some eggs again to start a second generation.

I am glad to see, that it appear the problem they were experiencing in the US has been resolved as these do make an excellent feeder for many insect eating reptiles of all ages. Babies enjoy them without the risk of impaction and they are very good for older dragons due an enzyme that is found in them. With 20 lizards in the house, silkworms are a rare treat for them and it was so frustrating to pay the cost of them and have them all dying within days.

My order from Coastal Silkworms was more than the promised amount and of moderate size. I also ordered some eggs, but have not hatched them yet, I will when it gets warmer here as I use our lanai area to hatch them in. I do need to remember to keep them covered so the wild anoles that make a home here, do not have fat bellies again and my hatching trays empty. I had the happiest and best fed anoles in the state!