Best Feeder Insects for Leopard Geckos (Ranked)
Matt Goren
Best Feeder Insects for Leopard Geckos (Ranked)
Leopard geckos are obligate insectivores — live insects are their entire diet. The feeder insects you choose determine your gecko's body condition, bone health, and longevity. Too many keepers default to mealworms because they are cheap and easy to store, but mealworms are one of the worst feeders nutritionally. Here is the definitive ranking.
The Rankings
| Rank | Feeder | Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Discoid Roaches | Daily protein staple | 10/10 |
| #2 | BSFL | Calcium supplement | 9.5/10 |
| #3 | Silkworms | Low-fat variety | 9/10 |
| #4 | Hornworms | Hydration treat | 7.5/10 |
| #5 | Crickets | Budget alternative | 5/10 |
| #6 | Mealworms | Backup only | 4/10 |
| #7 | Superworms | Too large for most leos | 2/10 |
| #8 | Waxworms | Sick/underweight only | 2/10 |
#1: Discoid Roaches
Small discoid roach nymphs (3/8 to 1/2 inch) are the ideal size and nutrition profile for leopard geckos: 20% protein, 7% fat, 0.77:1 Ca:P ratio. They are gut-loadable, allowing you to boost their vitamin and mineral content before feeding. They do not bite, do not climb glass, and live for months with minimal care. Most leopard geckos accept roach nymphs eagerly — the movement triggers their hunting instinct.
#2: BSFL
BSFL are the highest-calcium feeder available (9,340 mg/kg, 1.52:1 Ca:P). For leopard geckos — which are commonly raised on mealworm-only diets and frequently develop calcium deficiency — BSFL are a game-changer. No dusting required. Offer 5-10 in a smooth-sided dish 1-2 times per week.
#3: Silkworms
Small silkworms at 1% fat provide low-calorie nutrition for leopard geckos prone to obesity (which is most of them on mealworm-heavy diets). Soft body, no chitin, easy to digest. Excellent for overweight geckos on a diet plan.
#4: Hornworms
Small hornworms provide hydration (85% moisture) and enrichment. Size carefully — hornworms grow fast and can quickly become too large for leopard geckos. Use small hornworms only. The bright color triggers strong feeding responses in picky geckos.
#5: Crickets
Functional but inferior to roaches. Crickets bite sleeping geckos (leopard geckos have lost toes to cricket bites), smell, make noise, escape easily, and have a poor 0.13:1 Ca:P ratio. If roaches are unavailable, crickets work — but roaches are better.
#6: Mealworms — The Default That Shouldn't Be
Mealworms are the default leopard gecko feeder because of fridge storage convenience, not nutritional merit. At 13% fat and 0.04:1 Ca:P, a mealworm-only diet causes obesity and metabolic bone disease — the two most common health problems in captive leopard geckos. Use only as an occasional backup, 1x per week maximum, if at all.
#7-8: Superworms and Waxworms — Not Recommended
Superworms are generally too large for leopard geckos and have strong mandibles that can bite. Waxworms at 25% fat are addictive — geckos that become hooked on waxworms often refuse all other food. Use waxworms only to tempt sick or underweight geckos to eat, then transition away immediately.
The Ideal Weekly Rotation
- Monday: 5 small roach nymphs (calcium dusted)
- Thursday: 8 BSFL + 3 small silkworms
- Saturday: 5 small roach nymphs (calcium + D3 bi-weekly)
Three feeding days, protein and calcium covered, zero mealworms needed.
Shop the complete leopard gecko rotation: roaches | BSFL | silkworms | hornworms
— Matt, Founder, All Angles Creatures
Published · last updated