How Many BSFL to Feed Your Reptile (By Species & Size)
Matt GorenShare
How Many BSFL to Feed Your Reptile
BSFL (black soldier fly larvae) are calcium-delivery feeders, not protein staples. They contain 9,340 mg/kg calcium with a positive 1.52:1 Ca:P ratio — the highest natural calcium of any feeder insect. Because of this, BSFL are used differently than protein feeders like discoid roaches: smaller quantities, fewer sessions per week, no dusting needed.
BSFL Feeding Chart by Species
| Species | BSFL Size | Per Feeding | Frequency | Weekly Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby bearded dragon (0-4 months) | Small | 10-20 | Daily (mixed with roaches) | 70-140 |
| Juvenile bearded dragon (4-12 months) | Small-medium | 10-20 | 2-3x/week | 20-60 |
| Adult bearded dragon | Medium | 10-15 | 1-2x/week | 10-30 |
| Leopard gecko (adult) | Small-medium | 5-10 | 1-2x/week | 5-20 |
| Chameleon (adult veiled/panther) | Small-medium | 5-10 | 1-2x/week | 5-20 |
| Jackson's chameleon | Small | 3-5 | 1x/week | 3-5 |
| Crested gecko | Small | 3-5 | 1x/week | 3-5 |
| Blue tongue skink | Medium-large | 15-25 | 1-2x/week | 15-50 |
| Frogs (dart frogs, tree frogs) | Small | 5-10 | 1-2x/week | 5-20 |
Why BSFL Amounts Are Different from Roaches
BSFL serve a fundamentally different nutritional role than protein feeders. Roaches deliver protein — you need enough per feeding to meet your reptile's protein requirements. BSFL deliver calcium — you need enough to supplement calcium stores, but not so many that the 14% fat content becomes a concern.
Think of BSFL like a calcium supplement in feeder form: consistent, moderate amounts across the week rather than large single servings.
Do NOT Dust BSFL
BSFL already contain 9,340 mg/kg calcium — more than any calcium powder can deliver. Dusting BSFL with additional calcium is redundant and wasteful. Save your calcium powder for roach and silkworm feedings.
Feeding Method
- Dish feeding: Place BSFL in a smooth-sided dish or bowl. BSFL cannot climb smooth surfaces, making them easy to contain. Most reptiles learn to eat from a BSFL dish quickly.
- Tong feeding: Offer individual BSFL with soft tongs for interactive feeding. Works well for chameleons and geckos.
- Cup feeding (chameleons): Attach a small cup to a branch at eye level. Chameleons shoot BSFL from the cup.
Can You Feed Too Many BSFL?
Yes — while BSFL are excellent for calcium, they are 14% fat. Feeding BSFL as a sole daily staple would deliver too much fat for most species. Use BSFL as a supplement (1-3 feedings per week) alongside lean protein feeders like discoid roaches (7% fat) and silkworms (1% fat).
For baby bearded dragons, BSFL can be offered more frequently (daily mixed with roaches) because rapid bone growth demands high calcium intake — and the juveniles' high metabolic rate burns the fat efficiently.
BSFL Size Guide
- Small BSFL: Leopard geckos, dart frogs, small chameleons, hatchling bearded dragons
- Medium BSFL: Adult leopard geckos, adult chameleons, juvenile bearded dragons
- Large BSFL: Adult bearded dragons, blue tongue skinks, tegus
Shop BSFL — shipped fresh with our live arrival guarantee. Available in multiple sizes for every species.
— Matt, Founder, All Angles Creatures
