{"product_id":"dried-silkworm-pupae-100g","title":"Dried Silkworm Pupae 100g","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDried Silkworm Pupae — High-Protein Whole Insect Treat for Isopods, Millipedes \u0026amp; Snails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e100% natural dried silkworm pupae, dehydrated using a delicate process that preserves most of the nutrients of live insects. Silkworm pupae are one of the most nutritionally dense whole-insect foods available — high in protein, rich in chitin, and naturally appealing to detritivores. Originally a staple food for reptiles and large fish, dried silkworm pupae have become a favourite high-value treat among isopod and millipede keepers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e100g resealable bag — a small amount goes a long way for invertebrate feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Silkworm Pupae?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSilkworm pupae sit at the top of the protein-supplement ladder for invertebrate keeping. They're not a daily food — they're a high-value treat that delivers serious nutritional impact when offered occasionally:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e48% crude protein.\u003c\/strong\u003e Comparable to fish flakes (46%) and slightly below daphnia (50%), but with a fundamentally different nutritional profile. The protein in silkworm pupae is naturally complete with all essential amino acids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e27% crude fat.\u003c\/strong\u003e This is the standout figure — significantly higher fat content than fish flakes (8.3%) or daphnia (10%). For invertebrates, fat is an important energy source, especially for breeding females and rapidly-growing juveniles. The fat content makes silkworm pupae particularly valuable during active breeding periods or when conditioning a colony for reproduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e8% crude fibre (chitin).\u003c\/strong\u003e Higher chitin content than most protein supplements. Chitin is the same structural compound found in invertebrate exoskeletons, and it provides natural fibre that supports healthy digestion in isopods, millipedes, and other moulting animals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhole-insect food.\u003c\/strong\u003e Like daphnia, silkworm pupae are a complete organism rather than a formulated blend. No fillers, no processing beyond gentle dehydration. For keepers who prefer minimally-processed natural foods, this is ideal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHighly attractive to detritivores.\u003c\/strong\u003e Most invertebrates respond strongly to silkworm pupae — feeding behaviour is often more enthusiastic than with formulated foods. The natural fats and proteins are biologically appealing in a way that processed feeds aren't.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhich Invertebrates Benefit?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIsopods.\u003c\/strong\u003e Particularly valuable for breeding-age colonies and juvenile growth periods. The high fat content supports gravid females and rapid juvenile development. All isopods readily consume silkworm pupae, but the price-per-gram makes them most worth it for premium species: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cubaris-isopods\"\u003eCubaris\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ardentiella-isopods\"\u003eArdentiella\u003c\/a\u003e, and large \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/porcellio-isopods\"\u003ePorcellio\u003c\/a\u003e species. For beginner colonies of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/porcellio-scaber-mix-isopods\"\u003ePorcellio scaber\u003c\/a\u003e or similar, silkworm pupae work well as occasional treats but aren't necessary as a regular feeding item.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMillipedes.\u003c\/strong\u003e Larger species in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/millipedes-for-sale\"\u003emillipede collection\u003c\/a\u003e particularly benefit. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/african-giant-chocolate-millipede-ophistreptus-guineensis\"\u003eChocolate Millipedes\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ghana-speckled-leg-millipede-telodeinopus-aoutii\"\u003eGhana Speckled Leg\u003c\/a\u003e, and other large species need significant protein for their size and growth. The high fat content also supports the energy needs of actively breeding adults. Smaller millipedes can be offered crushed pupae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSnails.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rodatzi-giant-african-land-snails\"\u003eRodatzi GALS\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pink-lipped-giant-african-land-snails-lissachatina-immaculata-panthera\"\u003ePink Lipped Panthera\u003c\/a\u003e readily consume silkworm pupae. The high fat and protein content supports rapid shell growth in young snails. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/unicorn-snails-octona-sublina\"\u003eUnicorn Snails\u003c\/a\u003e can be offered crushed pupae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCockroaches.\u003c\/strong\u003e Species in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cockroaches-for-sale\"\u003ecockroach collection\u003c\/a\u003e are highly responsive to silkworm pupae. Useful for breeding colonies and feeder cockroach production where rapid growth and high-quality nutrition matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Feed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor isopods:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer 1–2 whole pupae per 20–30 isopods, or crush a small amount and scatter on the substrate. Once weekly is sufficient as a treat — silkworm pupae are calorie-dense and shouldn't be offered daily. For breeding colonies or during conditioning periods, you can increase frequency to twice a week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor millipedes:\u003c\/strong\u003e One or two whole pupae for medium-sized species, scaled up for giant millipedes. Place on substrate near where the animals are active. Once weekly works well as a supplement to their primary leaf litter and rotting wood diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor snails:\u003c\/strong\u003e Crush 1–2 pupae and scatter on the substrate or offer alongside vegetables. Snails will rasp at them slowly. Once weekly is plenty for adult snails; juveniles can be offered slightly more frequently to support growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor cockroaches:\u003c\/strong\u003e Whole pupae or crushed pieces placed on substrate. Cockroaches will swarm to them rapidly. Frequency depends on colony size and feeding goals — once or twice weekly for hobby colonies, more frequently for production-focused breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGeneral principle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Silkworm pupae are high-value, calorie-dense food. Less is more. Offer them 1–2 times per week alongside your regular protein supplements (fish flakes, daphnia) rather than as daily food. The variety across feeding sessions provides a fuller nutritional profile than relying on any single food source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Whole Pupae Look Like That\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you haven't seen dried silkworm pupae before — yes, they look like what they are. Whole pupae, brown, oblong, about the size of a large coffee bean. They're not pretty in the way processed flakes are, but for invertebrates, that's actually the point. Whole-organism foods present nutrients in their natural form, with all the structural complexity (chitin shell around fat-rich interior) that detritivores evolved to process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou can offer them whole and let your animals work at them, or crush them between fingers for smaller invertebrates that can't tackle the pupae intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eStorage\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eStore the bag sealed and in a cool, dry place. Dehydrated silkworm pupae have a long shelf life when kept dry, but they will absorb moisture from humid air, which can lead to mould development. Keep the bag sealed between uses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 100g size will typically last 6+ months for a small invertebrate collection — silkworm pupae are offered in tiny quantities compared to larger feeder uses, and a single 100g bag covers multiple feeding cycles for a serious hobbyist setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eA Note on Mould\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLike all dry foods in humid invertebrate enclosures, silkworm pupae can develop mould if left uneaten. The high fat content makes them slightly more prone to spoilage than some other dry foods. Feed amounts that get consumed within 24 hours, and remove any uneaten pupae the next day. A thriving \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/springtails-for-sale\"\u003espringtail culture\u003c\/a\u003e in the same enclosure helps process small leftover pieces before mould becomes a problem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eComposition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e100% natural dried silkworm pupae. No fillers, additives, colourings, or preservatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnalytical constituents:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrude protein: 48%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrude oils and fat: 27%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrude fibre: 8%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrude ash: 13%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe unusually high fat content (27%) makes silkworm pupae stand out from other invertebrate protein supplements. This is a feature, not a bug — fat is essential for breeding condition and juvenile growth, and too many keepers focus only on protein content while ignoring fat as a critical nutritional component.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Silkworm Pupae Fit Into Your Feeding Rotation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe most effective approach to invertebrate nutrition is rotating between several protein sources rather than relying on one. Each food has different strengths:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSilkworm pupae:\u003c\/strong\u003e Highest fat (27%), high chitin (8%), whole organism. Best for breeding conditioning, juvenile growth, and as a high-value treat. Once weekly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dried-daphnia-100g\"\u003eDried Daphnia\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e Highest protein (50%), high fibre (7%), whole organism. Best for routine protein supplementation and chitin variety. 1–2 times weekly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/ultra-tropical-fish-flakes-100g\"\u003eUltra Tropical Fish Flakes\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e Balanced protein (46.2%), formulated with insect meal, fish hydrolysate, vitamins, and Omega fatty acids. Best for complete daily nutrition. 1–2 times weekly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUsing all three on rotation gives your invertebrates the broadest possible amino acid and fatty acid profile. Many serious keepers structure their feeding week around exactly this kind of rotation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor complete invertebrate care:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dried-daphnia-100g\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDried Daphnia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — alternating protein source for variety\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/ultra-tropical-fish-flakes-100g\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUltra Tropical Fish Flakes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — formulated daily protein source\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/cuttlebone-100g\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCuttlebone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — essential calcium for moulting and shell health\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/malawi-light-limestone-for-isopods\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMalawi Limestone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — passive calcium source\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/flake-soil-1l\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlake Soil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — fermented hardwood substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/kinshi-made-with-lions-mane-mushroom\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKinshi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — mushroom mycelium for tropical species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/large-magnolia-leaves-for-isopods\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMagnolia Leaves\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — primary leaf litter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/bamboo-leaf-litter\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBamboo Leaf Litter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — structural leaf cover\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/asian-leaf-mix\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAsian Leaf Mix\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — premium native leaves for tropical species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor more on building balanced invertebrate diets, see our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/setting-up-selecting-your-first-isopods\"\u003esetting up guide\u003c\/a\u003e. Browse the full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/accessories\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e for everything else needed to keep your invertebrates thriving.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PostPods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57337731187070,"sku":null,"price":3.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/dried-silkworm-pupae-100g-4574521.jpg?v=1777659556","url":"https:\/\/postpods.co.uk\/products\/dried-silkworm-pupae-100g","provider":"Isopods For Sale UK | PostPods","version":"1.0","type":"link"}