Best Feeder Insects for Crested Geckos (Ranked)

Best Feeder Insects for Crested Geckos, Ranked

Crested geckos primarily eat commercial crested gecko diet (CGD) — a powdered food mixed with water that provides complete nutrition. But live insect supplementation 1-2 times per week provides enrichment, additional protein, and the mental stimulation of hunting live prey. Here are the best insect options ranked specifically for cresties.

#1: Small Silkworms

Fat: 1% | Chitin: None | Moisture: 83%

Silkworms are the ideal crested gecko insect supplement. Their ultra-low fat does not overload an already calorie-dense CGD diet. Their completely soft body is easy for cresties' relatively weak jaws to consume. Their slow wriggling is manageable for these small arboreal geckos. Offer 2-3 small silkworms in a ledge dish 1-2x per week.

#2: BSFL

Calcium: 9,340 mg/kg | No dusting needed

BSFL provide concentrated natural calcium alongside the calcium in quality CGD formulas. 3-5 BSFL per feeding, 1x per week in a ledge-mounted dish. Their sedentary nature works well for dish feeding — the concentrated wriggling attracts attention.

#3: Small Discoid Roach Nymphs

Protein: 20% | Fat: 7%

The smallest discoid roach nymphs provide protein supplementation for cresties that accept them. Not all crested geckos will eat roaches — some are strictly CGD eaters. Try tong-feeding a single small nymph to test interest.

#4: Small Hornworms

Moisture: 85%

Occasional hydration treat. Only use the smallest available hornworms — crested geckos have small mouths. 1 small hornworm per feeding, 1x per week maximum.

Insects to Avoid for Crested Geckos

• Mealworms: Tough chitin, poor Ca:P, too hard for cresties to chew
• Superworms: Too large, too tough, can bite — not for cresties
• Crickets: Escape into arboreal enclosures, chirp, bite — use roaches instead
• Waxworms: 25% fat is excessive for cresties that already eat calorie-dense CGD

Key Principles

• CGD is the foundation — insects are the supplement, not the replacement
• 1-2x per week is sufficient for insect supplementation
• Small sizes only — crested geckos have smaller mouths than leopard geckos or bearded dragons
• Ledge dish feeding works best for arboreal cresties — mount at climbing height

— Matt, Founder, All Angles Creatures