What do blue tongue skinks eat?

Blue tongue skinks are omnivores that eat insects (40-50%), vegetables (40-50%), and fruit (10%). Best insects: discoid roaches (lean protein), silkworms (1% fat), BSFL (highest calcium), and hornworms (hydration). Mix insects into a food bowl with chopped greens, squash, and a small amount of fruit.

How often should I feed my blue tongue skink?

Juveniles: every other day. Adults: every 2-3 days. Each meal should be a balanced mix of protein (insects), vegetables, and a small amount of fruit.

Comparisons

Best Feeder Insects for Blue Tongue Skinks (Ranked)

By Matt Goren2026-03-19 13:56:56 -04003 min read

Best Feeder Insects for Blue Tongue Skinks, Ranked

Blue tongue skinks are true omnivores — they need a balanced mix of protein (insects/meat), vegetables, and fruit. Within the protein portion of their diet (approximately 40-50%), feeder insect selection matters. Here are the best options ranked for BTS specifically.

#1: Discoid Roaches

Protein: 20% | Fat: 7%

The ideal insect protein for BTS — lean, gut-loadable, and safe. Blue tongue skinks chew their food (unlike geckos that swallow whole), and roaches are easy for them to crunch and process. Mix 5-10 roaches into the food bowl alongside chopped vegetables and fruit.

#2: Silkworms

Fat: 1% | Moisture: 83%

The leanest option for BTS that are prone to obesity — especially Indonesian species. Silkworms' soft body mixes naturally into the omnivore bowl. The 83% moisture supports hydration, and serrapeptase may support digestion. 2-3x per week.

#3: BSFL

Calcium: 9,340 mg/kg | No dusting

The highest-calcium feeder delivers bone-building nutrition without supplemental dusting. Mix into the food bowl 1-2x per week for natural calcium that supports the BTS skeletal system.

#4: Hornworms

Moisture: 85%

Hydration treats that BTS accept eagerly. 1-2 hornworms mixed into the bowl 1-2x per week provide moisture and enrichment.

#5: Eggs

Scrambled or hard-boiled egg (with shell crushed in for calcium) is a classic BTS protein. Not an insect, but a valuable rotation component. 1-2x per month.

Avoid for BTS

Dog/cat food as staple: Too high in fat, sodium, preservatives. Use real insect protein instead.
Waxworms: 25% fat, addictive — skip entirely for obesity-prone BTS.
Superworms as staple: 18% fat — occasional treat only.

The Complete BTS Weekly Meal Plan

Monday: Chopped collards + squash + 5-10 discoid roaches + few blueberries
Thursday: Chopped turnip greens + sweet potato + 5-8 silkworms + mango
Sunday: Chopped mustard greens + zucchini + 10 BSFL + 1-2 hornworms

Feed adults every 2-3 days. Juveniles every other day. Adjust insect-to-vegetable ratio by age.

— Matt, Founder, All Angles Creatures

Last updated 2026-03-23 13:02:34 -0400