Zophobas can 100gr

Product information "Zophobas"

Zophobas (Zophobas morio) are the larvae of the large black beetle. They are a welcome change on the menu of any insectivorous reptile. However, due to their high fat content, they should only be fed in moderation. But because of the high fat content they are also great for feeding weak animals.

Zophobas are available in the following packages:

Zophobas in a tin (50 g)
Zophobas loose in cartons of 500 g and 1 kg

Storage: Store at room temperature and dry.

Tip: To be able to offer your fosterlings well-fed Zophobas, you should first start feeding the Zophobas with dry food (e.g. oat flakes or wheat bran) and fresh fruit and vegetables. We recommend organic carrots and organic apples. Only as much wet food should be given as is eaten within one day to prevent mold and infestation with (fruit) flies. To optimize the mineral and nutrient supply of your pets, the Zophobas should be dusted with an appropriate preparation before feeding.



Zophobas (Zophobas morio)

Zophobas are the larvae of the large black beetle, which belongs to the family of black beetles (Tenebrionidae).

The beetles reach a length of about 17-25 mm and are completely black in color. Through pygidial glands they can secrete a secretion that smells unpleasant and drives away possible predators. Zophobas larvae can grow up to 6 cm long and are black and straw yellow in color.

In the wild, Zophobas is found primarily in Central and South America. The zophobas larvae, as well as the beetles, live there on organic waste, from which they also feed predominantly. The beetles lay their eggs in the substrate, from which the Zophobas hatch after a few weeks. They measure only a few millimeters after hatching, but grow to full size within a very short time under optimal climatic conditions and an abundant food supply. Once the Zophobas have reached their full size and are ready to pupate, they hide individually in caves or narrow crevices. They remain there motionless and are curled up in a semicircle. After another molt, the zophobas larva becomes the pupa, which in turn hatches into the beetles. The zophobas larvae can only pupate in isolation. If there are many Zophobas in one spot, without the possibility to isolate, the Zophobas will molt further times until they finally die. This is because metamorphosis is inhibited when zophobas larvae are present in masses.

Zophobas As feeding insects

Along with mealworms and buffalo worms, Zophobas are among the best-known feeding worms. Of all three species mentioned, they are the largest worms, making them ideal for larger reptiles or birds. Since Zophobas are also very fatty, they should only be fed once in a while to prevent fattening of the animals. The chitin shell of Zophobas cannot be digested well, which is why it is advisable to feed freshly skinned Zophobas. These can be recognized by their white coloration after moulting. Zophobas are best offered in a bowl from which they cannot come out. This is because once zophobas larvae become independent, they bury themselves in the bottom substrate, which is similar to their natural behavior. Alternatively, the zophobas larvae can be fed with tweezers, which has the further advantage that you can accurately document the feeding of your animals. However, before feeding the zophobas larvae, you should feed them for a few days to make them particularly nutritious. For this purpose you should keep the Zophobas in a suitable box and put in so much dry food that the larvae can completely burrow into it. Wheat bran and oat flakes have proven themselves as dry food. These serve not only as substrate, but form a high-quality food for Zophobas. Furthermore, you should offer fresh food, such as carrots or apples. In addition to the liquid contained, through which the Zophobas cover their liquid needs, they provide them with many vitamins, which benefit your animals. This is because these are passively absorbed by your animals via the intestinal contents of the Zophobas larvae when they eat. To further enhance Zophobas, they should be dusted with a vitamin or calcium powder immediately before feeding. Due to the fact that Zophobas has a very smooth outer shell, the preparations adhere only moderately well to the larvae. Therefore, they should be fed immediately after dusting, otherwise not much of the preparation will be absorbed by your animal. Particularly fine preparations adhere best to the Zophobas larvae, for example Reptivite from ZooMed has proven itself here.

Zophobas As fishing bait

The specialized trade has a variety of live fishing baits available. Some anglers are familiar with mealworms and especially the giant mealworms, which are very popular with anglers. If you want to go one better, Zophobas is the best choice. Zophobas are even bigger than mealworms, but have similar properties. Just try Zophobas as bait. Since many fish do not yet know this live bait, it may trigger the desired stimulus and provide the desired catch.