Feeding live insects to reptiles and snakes can provide essential nutrition and stimulation. The choice of insects can depend on the specific dietary needs and preferences of the reptile or snake species. Here are some commonly used insects suitable as live food:
See Gut loading
Commonly Used Insects
Crickets (Acheta domesticus and Gryllus assimilis)
High in protein and widely available. Many lizards, frogs, and small snakes. Easy to gut-load (feed nutritious food before offering to pets) and dust with supplements.
Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor)
Nutritional Value: Moderate protein and fat content. Lizards, turtles, and some amphibians. Easy to store and handle.
Note: Their hard exoskeleton can be difficult for some animals to digest, so they should not be a staple food.
Superworms (Zophobas morio)
Higher in fat than mealworms, good protein content. Larger lizards and some birds. More active, which can stimulate hunting behavior in pets.
Note: Like mealworms, their exoskeleton is hard, so moderation is key.
Dubia Roaches (Blaptica dubia)
High in protein, low in fat, and rich in calcium. A variety of reptiles including bearded dragons, geckos, and larger amphibians. Easy to digest, less odorous than crickets, and do not climb smooth surfaces.
More Roach Types
Silkworms (Bombyx mori)
High in protein, low in fat, and rich in calcium. Chameleons, bearded dragons, and other insectivorous reptiles. Soft-bodied and highly nutritious.
Note: Require specific care and feeding.
Hornworms (Manduca sexta)
High moisture content, good protein levels. Larger lizards and amphibians. Soft-bodied and very nutritious.
Note: Should be fed in moderation due to their high moisture content.
Waxworms (Galleria mellonella)
Waxworms are high in fat. Occasional treat for many reptiles and amphibians. Highly palatable and can be used to fatten up underweight pets.
Note: Due to their high-fat content, they should not be a primary food source.
Fruit Flies (Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila hydei)
Good source of protein and fat for small reptiles and amphibians. Dart frogs, small amphibians, and baby reptiles. Essential for feeding very small or juvenile insectivores.
Note: Cultures are easy to maintain at home. See More
Butterworms (Chilecomadia moorei)
High in calcium and fat. Occasional treat for many reptiles and amphibians. Highly nutritious and palatable.
Note: Should be fed sparingly due to their high fat content.
Note: Do not require gut-loading or dusting with calcium supplements.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens)
High in calcium and protein. Many reptiles, including bearded dragons, geckos, chameleons, and amphibians. Soft-bodied and easy to digest. Known for a high calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, eliminating the need for calcium supplementation.
Note: Commonly marketed under names like “Phoenix Worms” or “Calci-Worms.” Do not require gut-loading or dusting with calcium supplements
Locusts (Schistocerca gregaria and Locusta migratoria)
Nutritional Value: High in protein and fat. Larger reptiles such as bearded dragons, monitors, and larger amphibians. Active and nutritious, providing excellent enrichment for reptiles.
Note: Can be challenging to store and care for due to their size and space requirements.
Isopods (Pillbugs or Sowbugs, Woodlouse, Armadillidiidae)
Moderate protein, high calcium. Smaller reptiles and amphibians, particularly those kept in bioactive setups. Contribute to maintaining a clean environment in bioactive terrariums by consuming waste and decaying plant matter.
Note: Often used as a supplementary food source rather than a primary diet.
Springtails (Collembola)
Provide a small amount of protein and fat. Dart frogs, small amphibians, and young reptiles. Excellent for bioactive setups, where they help decompose organic matter and keep the enclosure clean.
Note: Primarily used as a supplemental food source.
House Flies (Musca domestica)
Moderate protein. Chameleons, frogs, and other insectivores that hunt flying prey. Stimulates natural hunting behaviours.
Note: Ensure they are raised or purchased from clean sources to avoid pathogens.
Bean Weevils (Callosobruchus maculatus)
Good source of protein. Small reptiles and amphibians. Easy to culture at home and provide a consistent food source.
Note: Useful as a supplementary food source rather than a staple.
Praying Mantids (Mantodea)
High in protein. Larger reptiles and amphibians that can handle active prey. Provide an exciting and challenging prey item.
Note: Ensure that the mantids are appropriately sized for the predator to avoid injury.
Silk Moths (Bombyx mori)
High in protein. Reptiles that can handle larger, softer prey. Soft-bodied and nutritious, they can be an occasional treat.
Note: Often used as a follow-up food source after silkworms have pupated.
Butterflies and Moths
Moderate protein. Reptiles and amphibians that hunt flying insects, such as chameleons and certain frogs. Stimulate natural hunting behaviours and provide an enriching diet.
Note: Ensure they are captive-bred and free of pesticides.
Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris)
High in protein and moisture. Many amphibians, turtles, and some lizards. Easy to digest and highly nutritious.
Note: Best sourced from chemical-free environments to avoid potential toxins.
Grasshoppers (Various Species)
High in protein. Larger reptiles and amphibians. Provide a nutritious, active prey item.
Note: Ensure they are pesticide-free and not too large for the predator.
Ants (Various Species)
Moderate protein and fat. Certain specialized insectivores. Stimulate natural foraging behaviours.
Note: Some species can be aggressive or sting, so choose non-harmful types.
Termites (Various Species)
High in protein. Small lizards and amphibians. Nutritious and readily accepted by many insectivores.
Note: Ensure they are free of pesticides.
Snails (Various Species)
High in protein and calcium (especially their shells). Turtles, some amphibians, and larger lizards. Good source of calcium and protein.
Note: Avoid wild-caught snails to prevent parasite transmission.
Slugs (Various Species)
High in protein. Turtles, amphibians, and some lizards. Soft-bodied and easy to digest.
Note: As with snails, avoid wild-caught specimens to reduce the risk of parasites.
Mosquito Larvae (Culex spp.)
High in protein. Small amphibians and juvenile reptiles. Stimulate natural feeding behaviours.
Note: Cultivate in a controlled environment to avoid contributing to local mosquito populations.
Brine Shrimp (Artemia spp.)
High in protein. Aquatic amphibians and some reptiles. Easy to cultivate and very nutritious.
Note: Suitable for aquatic and semi-aquatic pets.
Summary
Incorporating a variety of insects and invertebrates into the diet of your reptiles and amphibians can provide balanced nutrition and enrich their environment. Each type of live food has its own advantages and potential drawbacks, so it’s important to research and select appropriate options based on the specific needs and natural hunting behaviours of your pets. Always ensure that live food is sourced from reputable suppliers to avoid potential health risks.