🦎 Introduction
Feeding your gecko a balanced diet means more than just crickets. There are many different feeder insects available—each with unique pros, cons, and nutritional profiles.
In this guide, we break down the 10 most common feeder insects for leopard geckos, crested geckos, and other insectivorous species, helping you choose the healthiest and safest options.
📊 Feeder Insect Comparison Table
| Insect | Protein | Fat | Calcium:Phos Ratio | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crickets | 18% | 6% | 1:9 | Daily feeding |
| Dubia Roaches | 21% | 7% | 1:3 | Staple diet |
| Mealworms | 20% | 13% | 1:7 | Occasional use |
| Superworms | 19% | 17% | 1:7 | Treats only |
| Waxworms | 16% | 21% | 1:7 | High-fat treat |
| Black Soldier Fly Larvae | 17% | 9% | 1.5:1 | Calcium boost |
| Silkworms | 15% | 7% | 1:2 | Good variety |
| Hornworms | 9% | 3% | 1:3 | Hydration help |
| Butterworms | 16% | 27% | 1:7 | Very fatty treat |
| Phoenix Worms | 20% | 9% | 1.5:1 | Gut-health aid |
🥇 1. Crickets – Affordable Daily Staple
- Available in all pet stores
- Active, encourage natural hunting
- Gut-load before feeding!
⚠️ Can carry parasites—buy from trusted source.
🥈 2. Dubia Roaches – High Protein, Easy to Digest
- Long shelf life
- Can’t jump or fly
- Quiet and clean
🥉 3. Mealworms – Cheap but Overused
- Can cause impaction in large amounts
- Use occasionally, not daily
- Feed from a bowl to prevent escape
🪱 4. Superworms – Fun Treat, Not a Staple
- Too much fat for daily use
- Large geckos only
- Can bite if not stunned first
🍬 5. Waxworms – Like Gecko Junk Food
- Irresistible, good for picky eaters
- Use only 1–2 per week
- Great for weight gain (short term)
💊 6. Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Phoenix Worms) – Best Calcium Boost
- Naturally high in calcium
- No dusting needed
- Soft-bodied = easy to digest
🥇 Ideal for growing geckos or MBD recovery!
🧵 7. Silkworms – Gentle & Nutritious
- Soft, great hydration
- Not as widely available
- Excellent option for variety
🌿 8. Hornworms – Giant, Watery, Colorful
- Very hydrating
- Fast-growing: feed quickly!
- Use as treat or after dehydration
🧈 9. Butterworms – High in Fat, Use Sparingly
- Soft and palatable
- Store in fridge
- Offer only 1–2x per week
🧬 10. Phoenix Worms – Bonus Gut Benefits
- Support digestive health
- Naturally high calcium
- Great for variety
🧂 Supplementing & Gut-Loading Tips
- Dust insects with calcium + D3 (2x/week) and multivitamins (1x/week)
- Gut-load insects with carrots, leafy greens, or commercial gut-load products 24 hours before feeding
- Avoid feeding wild-caught bugs (pesticide risk)
❌ Insects to Avoid
- Fireflies (toxic)
- Lightning bugs
- Wild insects
- Bugs from bait shops
🐾 Conclusion
A varied feeder diet is key to your gecko’s health. Stick with staples like crickets and dubia roaches, and rotate in nutrient-rich options like BSFL and silkworms. Limit fatty worms like waxworms and superworms to treats.