Flies for FBTs - Any Probs??

[Kurt]

The problem with using wild caught insects is that you run the risk of introducing GI parasites to your frogs.

[firefly]

Oh no, so no moths then?? How about spiders and caterpillars and stuff? The flies were being offered for sale on the internet

[SethD]

I have fed fruit flies to FBT's before. They are happy to eat them as they will try to eat nearly anything. They are to small for a dietary staple though. I wouldn't worry to much about introducing parasites with wc bugs either. Many people including myself have fed wc bugs from time to time for years. I have never heard a first hand account of it causing a real health problem. As long as you stay away from dangerous looking insects(bright warning colors, stingers, pinchers, etc.) your frogs shouldn't have a problem.

[Kurt]

The flies are ok and so are other commercially produced feeder insects. Just the trouble with collecting food in your yard is you run the risk introducing GI parasites and/or toxins from fertilizers and pesticides. It doesn't matter what kind of bugs we are talking about. Also some caterpillars can be toxic themselves. Hornworms, a type of caterpiller, for example, are commercially produced to feed herps and are safe for your frogs to eat. However, hornworms collected from your tomato plants will be toxic and not safe for your frogs to eat. Other species may be toxic regardless of what they eat.