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Recommended For
This guide focuses on insect-feeding reptiles. For snakes that eat rodents, see the Frozen Feeders guide.
★★★★★ Bearded Dragons — live insects are a core part of the diet, especially for juveniles
★★★★★ Leopard Geckos — insectivores that require live feeders as their primary food source
★★★★★ Crested Geckos — live insects supplement their fruit-based diet
★★★★★ Chameleons — live insects are the primary food source for most chameleon species
★★★★☆ Blue Tongue Skinks — omnivores that benefit from live insect protein
Why Feeder Variety Matters
No single feeder insect provides complete nutrition on its own. A varied diet — rotating between two or more feeder species — provides a broader nutritional profile and prevents the dietary imbalances that come from feeding a single insect type exclusively. Gut-loading feeders before offering them and dusting with appropriate calcium and vitamin supplements are equally important parts of a complete feeding program.
Feeder Insect Comparison
| Feeder | Protein | Fat | Ca:P Ratio | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubia Roaches | High | Low | Good | Staple feeder for most insectivores |
| Crickets | Moderate | Low | Poor | Widely available staple; dust before feeding |
| Black Soldier Fly Larvae | Moderate | Moderate | Excellent | Best natural calcium source; excellent variety feeder |
| Mealworms | Moderate | High | Poor | Occasional treat; not an ideal sole staple |
| Hornworms | Low | Very Low | Moderate | Hydration feeder; high moisture content |
| Waxworms | Low | Very High | Poor | Occasional treat only; highly palatable |
| Superworms | Moderate | High | Poor | Larger animals; occasional use |
Top Picks
1. Dubia Roaches — Best Staple Feeder
The most nutritionally complete feeder insect available for most insectivorous reptiles. High protein, low fat, good calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, and easy to gut-load. Dubia roaches don’t chirp, don’t jump, can’t climb smooth surfaces, and live longer than crickets — making them significantly easier to manage. Legal in most U.S. states, though restrictions exist in places such as Florida and Hawaii. Always check local regulations before ordering. The standard recommendation for bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and most other insectivores as a primary staple feeder.
→ Visit Dubia.com | → Josh's Frogs
2. Crickets — Most Widely Available Staple
The most widely available feeder insect in the U.S. — available at virtually every pet store. Nutritionally adequate when gut-loaded and dusted, though their calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is poor without supplementation. Crickets are noisy, escape easily, and have a shorter lifespan than dubia roaches, but their universal availability makes them a practical option for most keepers. Always dust with calcium supplement before feeding.
→ Visit Grubco | → Josh's Frogs
3. Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Nutrigrubs/Calciworms) — Best Natural Calcium Source
Black soldier fly larvae have an exceptional calcium-to-phosphorus ratio — the best of any commonly available feeder insect. They are one of the few feeders that can be offered without calcium dusting due to their naturally high calcium content. Their small size makes them especially useful for juveniles and smaller insectivores. An excellent variety feeder for bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and other insectivores. Sold under brand names including Nutrigrubs and Calciworms.
→ Visit Grubco | → Nutrigrubs on Amazon
4. Hornworms — Best Hydration Feeder
Hornworms have very high moisture content — making them an excellent feeder for animals that are dehydrated or reluctant to drink. Low in fat and a useful addition to a varied feeding rotation. Not a staple feeder due to their low protein content, but a valuable variety feeder. Grow quickly — feed before they get too large for your animal.
→ Visit Manduca | → Josh's Frogs
5. Mealworms — Best Occasional Treat
Widely available and highly palatable — most reptiles will readily eat mealworms. However, their high fat content and poor calcium-to-phosphorus ratio make them not an ideal sole staple. Some experienced keepers use mealworms successfully within a balanced, varied diet — particularly for certain gecko species — but they work best as an occasional treat or to entice a reluctant feeder. Always dust with calcium before offering.
→ Visit Grubco | → Check on Amazon
6. Waxworms — Best for Reluctant Feeders
Extremely high in fat and highly palatable — waxworms are the reptile equivalent of junk food. Use sparingly as a treat or to stimulate feeding in a reluctant animal. Not appropriate as a regular feeder. Animals can become conditioned to prefer waxworms over more nutritious feeders if offered too frequently.
→ Visit Grubco | → Josh's Frogs
Gut-Loading
Gut-loading means feeding your feeder insects a nutritious diet before offering them to your reptile. The nutritional value of a feeder insect is largely determined by what it has eaten — a cricket fed on cardboard provides far less nutrition than one fed on leafy greens, squash, and commercial gut-load. Gut-load feeders for at least 24–48 hours before offering them.
Good gut-load foods include: collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, squash, sweet potato, and commercial gut-load products. Avoid high-oxalate foods like spinach and high-phosphorus foods that worsen the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.
Dusting
Dust feeder insects with calcium supplement at most feedings and with a multivitamin less frequently — typically once or twice a week depending on the species and life stage. Juveniles generally require more frequent supplementation than adults. Place feeders in a bag or container with a small amount of supplement powder and shake gently before offering.
Common Mistakes
Feeding a Single Feeder Type Exclusively
No single feeder insect provides complete nutrition. Rotating between two or more feeder species — for example, dubia roaches as a staple with black soldier fly larvae and hornworms as variety feeders — provides a broader nutritional profile and reduces the risk of dietary deficiencies.
Not Gut-Loading Before Feeding
Feeders that haven’t been gut-loaded provide significantly less nutrition. Always gut-load for at least 24–48 hours before offering. Keep a small gut-load colony or buy feeders in quantities that allow time for gut-loading before use.
Using Waxworms or Mealworms as Staples
Both are high in fat and low in nutritional value relative to dubia roaches or crickets. Frequent use can lead to obesity and nutritional deficiencies. Reserve for occasional treats or to stimulate feeding in reluctant animals.
Leaving Live Feeders in the Enclosure Overnight
Crickets and other live feeders left in the enclosure overnight can stress or injure the animal, particularly during shedding when the animal is more vulnerable. Remove uneaten feeders after each feeding session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dubia roaches legal in my state?
Dubia roaches are legal in most U.S. states, though restrictions exist in places such as Florida and Hawaii. Always check local regulations before ordering. Crickets and black soldier fly larvae are legal everywhere.
How many feeders should I offer per feeding?
This varies significantly by species, age, and individual animal. A general guideline for insectivores is to offer as many appropriately sized feeders as the animal will eat in 10–15 minutes, then remove the rest. Juveniles typically eat more frequently than adults. Follow species-specific feeding guides for more precise recommendations.
What size feeder should I use?
A commonly used guideline is to offer feeders no larger than the space between the animal’s eyes. This is a general rule of thumb rather than a hard requirement, but it helps avoid feeders that are too large for the animal to swallow safely.
Do I need to dust feeders if I’m using black soldier fly larvae?
Black soldier fly larvae have a naturally excellent calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and can generally be offered without additional calcium dusting. However, a multivitamin supplement should still be used periodically as part of a complete supplementation program.
What to Read Next
→ Best Calcium Supplements for Reptiles
→ Best Vitamin Supplements for Reptiles
→ Best Frozen Feeders for Reptiles
→ Best Feeding Tongs for Reptiles
→ Next: Complete Reptile Feeding Guide