Feeding Guide for Insectivorous Reptiles

Feeding Guide for Insectivorous Reptiles

Feeding Guide for Insectivorous Reptiles

Suitable for species such as leopard geckos, crested geckos (insect portion), bearded dragons (juveniles), anoles, skinks, chameleons, frogs, and other primarily insect-eating reptiles.

Why Feeding Variety Matters

Insectivorous reptiles rely on whole prey for protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, and hydration. No single insect provides a complete nutritional profile, so variety, correct frequency, and supplementation are essential to prevent:

  • Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)

  • Obesity and fatty liver disease

  • Vitamin and mineral deficiencies

  • Poor growth and immune health

Insects are divided into daily (staple) feeds and treat feeds based on their nutritional balance, fat content, calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, and digestibility.

Daily (Staple) Feeder Insects

These insects are suitable for regular or daily feeding when gut-loaded and properly supplemented.

🦗 Crickets (Acheta domesticus / Gryllus bimaculatus)

Why staple: Balanced protein, active movement stimulates hunting behaviour.

  • Protein: ~18–21%

  • Fat: ~5–7%

  • Calcium: Low

  • Phosphorus: High

  • Ca:P Ratio: ~1:9

Notes: Must be dusted with calcium. Always gut-load 24–48 hours before feeding.

🪳 Dubia Roaches (Blaptica dubia)

Why staple: Excellent protein, lower fat than many larvae, easy to digest.

  • Protein: ~20–23%

  • Fat: ~7–9%

  • Calcium: Moderate

  • Phosphorus: Moderate

  • Ca:P Ratio: ~1:3

Notes: One of the best staple feeders when legally permitted. Still requires supplementation.

🪳 Locusts (Schistocerca / Locusta species)

Why staple: Lean, high activity, good for arboreal species.

  • Protein: ~20%

  • Fat: ~6%

  • Calcium: Low–moderate

  • Phosphorus: Moderate

  • Ca:P Ratio: ~1:4

Notes: Excellent for chameleons and active lizards.

🐛 Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL / Calciworms)

Why staple: Naturally high calcium; minimal supplementation required.

  • Protein: ~15–17%

  • Fat: ~8–10%

  • Calcium: High

  • Phosphorus: Low

  • Ca:P Ratio: ~2.5:1

Notes: Ideal for juveniles and species prone to calcium deficiency.

Treat Feeder Insects

These should be fed occasionally due to high fat, poor calcium ratios, or addictive feeding responses.

🐛 Mealworms

Why treat: Hard chitin shell; poor calcium balance.

  • Protein: ~18–20%

  • Fat: ~12–14%

  • Calcium: Very low

  • Phosphorus: High

  • Ca:P Ratio: ~1:7

Risks: Impaction risk in small or young reptiles.

🐛 Superworms

Why treat: Very high fat; can encourage picky eating.

  • Protein: ~17–19%

  • Fat: ~15–17%

  • Calcium: Low

  • Phosphorus: High

  • Ca:P Ratio: ~1:13

Use: Occasional reward or weight gain support only.

🐛 Waxworms

Why treat: Extremely fatty; reptile equivalent of junk food.

  • Protein: ~14–16%

  • Fat: ~20–25%

  • Calcium: Very low

  • Phosphorus: Moderate

  • Ca:P Ratio: ~1:15

Use: Appetite stimulation or medical recovery only.

🐛 Butterworms

Why treat: Palatable and calcium-rich but very fatty.

  • Protein: ~15%

  • Fat: ~20%

  • Calcium: High

  • Phosphorus: Low

  • Ca:P Ratio: ~2:1

Use: Occasional treat despite good calcium due to fat content.

Feeding Frequency Guide

Juveniles

  • Feed: Daily

  • Quantity: As much as eaten in 10–15 minutes

  • Focus: High protein, calcium-rich staples

Adults

  • Feed: 2–4 times per week (species dependent)

  • Quantity: Controlled portions

  • Focus: Variety and lean staples

Gut Loading (Essential)

Feed insects a nutrient-rich diet 24–48 hours before use:

  • Dark leafy greens (spring greens, kale, dandelion)

  • Vegetables (carrot, squash, sweet potato)

  • Commercial insect gut-loads

This dramatically improves vitamin and mineral content.

Supplementation Overview

  • Calcium (no D3): Most feeds

  • Calcium with D3: 1–2x weekly (species & UVB dependent)

  • Multivitamin: 1x weekly

⚠️ Over-supplementation can be harmful—follow species-specific advice.

Key Takeaways

✔ Use staple insects as the foundation of the diet
✔ Treat insects are occasional only
✔ Always gut-load and supplement appropriately
✔ Variety prevents nutritional deficiencies

This guide is suitable for general husbandry education and should be adapted to individual species requirements.

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