How to Choose the Right Feeder Insect for Your Reptile

How to Choose the Right Feeder Insect

With so many feeder options available — discoid roaches, silkworms, BSFL, hornworms, mealworms, superworms, waxworms, fruit flies — how do you choose? This decision guide makes it simple.

Decision Tree

What is your primary need?

Daily protein staple → Discoid Roaches

20% protein, 7% fat, gut-loadable, months of shelf life. The foundation of any feeding rotation. Dust with calcium + D3.

Low-fat supplement (obesity prevention) → Silkworms

1% fat — the leanest feeder. For chameleons, overweight leos, sedentary adult beardies. 2-3x per week.

Calcium without dusting → BSFL

9,340 mg/kg calcium. The ONLY feeder that needs no dusting. 1-3x per week for MBD prevention.

Hydration / appetite stimulation → Hornworms

85% moisture. Bright color triggers explosive feeding. For dehydrated reptiles and picky eaters. 1-3x per week.

Micro feeder for dart frogs → Fruit Flies

Flightless. Hydei for adults, melanogaster for froglets. Daily staple for dart frogs.

Convenient fridge storage (adults only) → Mealworms

Fridge storage, no maintenance. But: 13% fat, poor Ca:P, NOT for juveniles. Occasional supplement only.

High-energy treat (adults only, rare) → Superworms

20% protein, 18% fat. Once per week max. Can bite. Adults only. Do NOT refrigerate.

Appetite rescue (last resort) → Waxworms

25% fat. Extremely rare use only — sick animals refusing all other food. Highly addictive.

By Reptile Species

Still not sure? Start with discoid roaches — they work for virtually every insectivorous species and are the safest starting point for any keeper.

Shop all feeders at All Angles Creatures — shipped from Florida with our live arrival guarantee.

— Matt, Founder, All Angles Creatures