{"title":"LIVE FOOD","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"drosophila-hydei-fruit-fly-culture","title":"Fruit Fly Culture","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDROSOPHILA HYDEI – LIVE FRUIT FLY CULTURE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn established live culture of \u003cstrong\u003eDrosophila hydei\u003c\/strong\u003e, ideal as live food for jumping spiders, spiderlings, mantis nymphs, dart frogs and other small insectivorous animals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrosophila hydei are larger than Drosophila melanogaster, making them an excellent feeder for animals that need small but more substantial prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYOUR CULTURE IS ALIVE AND CONTINUES TO DEVELOP\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour culture may contain different life stages at the same time:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eTiny crawling larvae\u003c\/strong\u003e – these may look like very small white\/cream worms moving through the culture medium. This is completely normal and a good sign that the culture is reproducing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eLarger larvae\u003c\/strong\u003e – as they grow, the larvae become much easier to see.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eBrown pupae\u003c\/strong\u003e – larvae eventually stop crawling and form small brown pupae, often on the sides of the container or around the culture material. \u003cstrong\u003eDo not throw the culture away – it is not spoiled!\u003c\/strong\u003e New adult flies will emerge from these pupae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eAdult fruit flies\u003c\/strong\u003e – ready to use as live food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIMPORTANT – DO NOT HARVEST TOO EARLY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways leave some adult flies in the culture. Adult flies are needed to lay eggs and maintain the next generation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo adults = no eggs → no larvae → no new flies.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCARE\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep the culture at approximately \u003cstrong\u003e20–25°C\u003c\/strong\u003e, ideally around \u003cstrong\u003e22–24°C\u003c\/strong\u003e, in a stable location away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep the container \u003cstrong\u003ewell ventilated\u003c\/strong\u003e and never seal it airtight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not refrigerate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not place on a radiator or in direct sunlight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid large temperature fluctuations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not add water directly into the culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAllow larvae and pupae to remain in the culture and develop naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePLEASE REMEMBER\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruit fly cultures are living biological cultures. The number of adult flies, larvae and pupae visible when your order arrives will naturally vary depending on the stage of development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA culture containing lots of larvae or brown pupae but fewer adult flies \u003cstrong\u003eis not necessarily dead or faulty\u003c\/strong\u003e – it may simply be between generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHome bred in the UK 🇬🇧\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive feeder insects – for insectivorous animals only.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58677761573248,"sku":null,"price":4.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1011\/9063\/1808\/files\/ChatGPT_Image_16_sie_2026_11_57_33.png?v=1786877891"},{"product_id":"peanut-beetle-starter-colony","title":"Peanut Beetle Starter Colony","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003ePEANUT BEETLE STARTER COLONY – LIVE FEEDER INSECTS\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA live, established \u003cstrong\u003ePeanut Beetle (Ulomoides dermestoides) starter colony\u003c\/strong\u003e, supplied with approximately \u003cstrong\u003e40 adult beetles plus larvae at different stages of development\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeanut beetle larvae are an excellent small live feeder for jumping spiders and many other insectivorous animals. The colony is very easy to maintain and, when kept correctly, will continue producing fresh feeder larvae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYour starter colony may contain:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eLong, active larvae\u003c\/strong\u003e – these are the main feeder larvae and can be offered as live food.\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eShorter, curled or “embryo-shaped” larvae\u003c\/strong\u003e – these are approaching pupation and may move much less.\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003ePupae\u003c\/strong\u003e – a normal part of the colony life cycle.\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eSmall brown beetles\u003c\/strong\u003e – newly emerged adults.\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003eAdult beetles\u003c\/strong\u003e – breeding stock responsible for continuously producing new larvae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIMPORTANT:\u003c\/strong\u003e Only the \u003cstrong\u003elarvae are intended to be used as feeder insects. Adult peanut beetles should NOT be offered as prey.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarvae may pupate during transport, so we cannot guarantee that every larva visible when the colony is dispatched will still be in the larval stage when your order arrives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEasy to maintain • Home bred in the UK • Self-sustaining culture • Ideal for jumping spiders and other insectivores\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Spider Food UK","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58710605660544,"sku":null,"price":2.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1011\/9063\/1808\/files\/ChatGPTImage16sie2026_11_02_05_6c8aecee-05d1-4465-b7c9-185aded31748.png?v=1786899820"},{"product_id":"peanut-beetle-larvae-40-per-pack","title":"Peanut Beetle Larvae 40 per pack","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur Peanut Beetle Larvae (\u003cem\u003eAlphitobius diaperinus\u003c\/em\u003e) are small, active livefood feeders—perfect for jumping spiders, spiderlings, mantises, small geckos, frogs and other small insect-eating animals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are smaller and less fatty than standard mealworms, making them a great option for adding variety to your pet’s diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach pack contains approximately 30–40 live larvae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat to do after your larvae arrive\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour Peanut Beetle larvae will arrive in a small ventilated container. This is a temporary home, but the larvae can remain in it for approximately 10–14 days or until several adult beetles begin to emerge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce approximately 10–15 adult beetles are visible, transfer the entire contents into a larger container. A small food-storage or lunch box approximately twice the size of the original container is sufficient.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePreparing the new container\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMake plenty of very small ventilation holes in the lid. The holes should be no larger than pinholes because small larvae and adult beetles may escape through larger openings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can make the holes using a heated needle or a very thin drill bit. Make sure that no sharp plastic edges remain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCover the bottom with approximately 1 cm of fresh rolled oats. The substrate should not fill more than one-quarter to one-fifth of the container’s height.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTransfer the entire contents of the original container, including the larvae, oats and fine grey material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd pieces of cardboard egg carton. Larvae and adult beetles use them as shelter, and the protected spaces provide suitable areas for egg laying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd several monkey nuts (peanuts in their shells). Lightly crack some of the shells so the beetles and larvae can enter them easily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not allow the egg carton, monkey nuts or other materials to touch the lid, as adult beetles may use them as a bridge to reach the ventilation holes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeeding and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep the colony dry, well ventilated and away from direct sunlight or strong heat sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTop up the rolled oats and monkey nuts as they are consumed. The amount required will depend on the size of the colony. A small handful approximately once a week is usually sufficient.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo not discard the fine grey powder that develops at the bottom of the container.\u003c\/strong\u003e It may contain eggs and newly hatched larvae that are too small to see.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePURCHASED A STARTER COLONY?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOngoing colony care\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYour starter colony already contains a mixture of Peanut Beetle life stages. The number of adult beetles, larvae and pupae will naturally change as the colony develops.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep the colony at a stable room temperature, in a dry and well-ventilated place. Keep it away from direct sunlight, radiators and other strong heat sources.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCheck the colony regularly and:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdd fresh rolled oats when the existing food is being consumed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdd or replace monkey nuts as required.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLightly crack some peanut shells so beetles and larvae can enter them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMake sure the ventilation holes remain clear.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeave a clear gap between the egg carton, monkey nuts and the lid.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeave enough adult beetles in the colony so they can continue breeding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe fine grey material that develops at the bottom of the container should not be removed. It may contain eggs and extremely small newly hatched larvae.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is normal to see fewer larvae at certain times. Some may be developing into pupae before emerging as adult beetles. Newly emerged beetles can initially appear pale or light brown and will become darker as their exoskeleton hardens.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImportant feeding reminder\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnly remove the larvae that you wish to feed to your pet. Use clean tweezers and try to avoid touching adult beetles with the same tweezers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdult beetles may release a natural defensive secretion when disturbed. If your tweezers touch a beetle, simply wash and dry them before collecting another larva.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDo not place a spider or another pet directly inside the colony. Always remove an appropriately sized larva and offer it separately.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe adult beetles are an important part of the colony and should remain inside so breeding can continue.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease supervise feeding and remove any uneaten larvae from your pet’s enclosure.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Spider Food UK","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59863008575872,"sku":null,"price":3.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1011\/9063\/1808\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_59fc5bee-556d-400c-8621-68fd2d013384.png?v=1789217281"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1011\/9063\/1808\/collections\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_058a766b-9fb7-44e8-9242-cea1635a7c76.png?v=1792446307","url":"https:\/\/spiderfooduk.co.uk\/collections\/live-food.oembed","provider":"Spider Food UK","version":"1.0","type":"link"}