What Size Discoid Roach Should I Feed My Reptile?

Choosing the Right Size Discoid Roach for Your Reptile

One of the most common questions we get at All Angles Creatures is: "What size roach should I feed my [bearded dragon / leopard gecko / chameleon]?" It's a great question, because feeder size matters more than most keepers realize. Too large and you risk choking, impaction, or stress. Too small and your animal wastes energy chasing prey that doesn't provide enough nutrition per catch.

The universal rule of thumb is simple: never feed an insect wider than the space between your reptile's eyes. This applies to all feeder insects, not just roaches. The space between the eyes roughly corresponds to the width of the esophagus, so prey that fits this guideline will pass safely through the digestive tract.

Below, we break down roach sizing recommendations by species and age. All sizes reference our standard discoid roach size grades.

Discoid Roach Size Grades

At All Angles Creatures, we offer discoid roaches in three main size grades:

• Small (nymphs): Approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Tiny, soft-bodied nymphs ideal for small reptiles and juveniles.
• Medium: Approximately 3/4 to 1 inch. The most versatile size — suitable for the widest range of reptiles.
• Large (sub-adult to adult): Approximately 1.25 to 1.75 inches. Full-sized roaches for large reptiles with big appetites.

Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons grow rapidly and their feeder size should scale with them throughout their life.

Baby Bearded Dragons (0-3 months)

Recommended size: Small nymphs

Baby beardies are tiny and their throats are narrow. Feed only small discoid roach nymphs — the smallest available. Offer as many as they'll eat in a 10-15 minute feeding session, 2-3 times per day. At this stage, insects should make up 70-80% of the diet.

Juvenile Bearded Dragons (3-8 months)

Recommended size: Small to medium

As your beardie grows, gradually increase feeder size. Start mixing in medium roaches alongside smalls. Feed 2-3 times daily, as many as they'll eat in 10-15 minutes per session. Insect intake should still be high — roughly 60-70% of the total diet.

Sub-Adult Bearded Dragons (8-14 months)

Recommended size: Medium to large

Most sub-adult beardies can handle medium roaches comfortably, with larger individuals ready for large discoid roaches. Feed once daily. Begin increasing the vegetable portion of the diet to 40-50%.

Adult Bearded Dragons (14+ months)

Recommended size: Large

Full-grown beardies thrive on large discoid roaches. Feed 10-20 large roaches 2-3 times per week, with the diet shifting to approximately 50-60% vegetables and 40-50% insects. Some large males can handle the biggest adult discoids without issue.

Leopard Geckos

Leopard geckos are smaller than bearded dragons and remain insectivores for life — sizing is especially important since they never eat vegetables to round out nutrition.

Hatchling and Juvenile Leos (0-6 months)

Recommended size: Small nymphs only

Use the smallest available small discoid nymphs. Juvenile leos have tiny mouths and are prone to impaction from oversized prey. Feed daily, offering 5-8 appropriately sized nymphs per session.

Sub-Adult Leos (6-12 months)

Recommended size: Small to medium

Transition to larger smalls and begin introducing small-end mediums. Feed every other day, 5-8 insects per session.

Adult Leopard Geckos (12+ months)

Recommended size: Medium

Medium discoid roaches are the ideal size for adult leopard geckos. They're large enough to be nutritionally meaningful but small enough to be consumed safely. Feed every 2-3 days, 5-8 roaches per session. Most adult leos should not be fed large adult discoid roaches — they're simply too big for the average leo's mouth.

Chameleons

Chameleon sizing depends heavily on the species. A full-grown male panther chameleon can eat much larger prey than a Jackson's chameleon or a juvenile veiled.

Juvenile Chameleons (all species)

Recommended size: Small nymphs

Small, soft-bodied nymphs are safe and appropriate. Feed daily, offering 8-15 small nymphs depending on species and appetite.

Adult Veiled and Panther Chameleons

Recommended size: Medium

Medium discoid roaches are the sweet spot for most adult veiled and panther chameleons. Feed 5-10 roaches every other day as part of a varied rotation. Large roaches are generally unnecessary and may be too big for some individuals.

Adult Jackson's and Smaller Species

Recommended size: Small to medium

Smaller chameleon species should stick to small and small-end medium roaches. Jackson's chameleons in particular have smaller mouths relative to their body size.

Monitors and Tegus

These large lizards have big appetites and can handle the largest feeder insects available.

Juvenile Monitors and Tegus

Recommended size: Medium to large

Even juvenile savannah monitors, Ackie monitors, and Argentine tegus can usually handle medium discoid roaches from an early age. Transition to large roaches as the animal grows.

Adult Monitors and Tegus

Recommended size: Large

Large discoid roaches are the appropriate feeder size for adult monitors and tegus. These animals can eat a dozen or more large roaches per session. For adult savannah monitors or Argentine tegus, large discoids should be supplemented with other substantial prey items as part of a varied diet.

Other Species Quick Reference

• Crested geckos: Small nymphs only (adults may eat medium occasionally)
• Blue tongue skinks: Medium to large, depending on animal size
• Dart frogs: Smallest available nymphs only — tiny fruit-fly-sized
• Tarantulas: Match roach size to tarantula body size — small nymphs for slings, medium for juveniles, large for adult tarantulas
• Pacman frogs: Medium for juveniles, large for adults
• Tree frogs: Small to medium depending on species

When in Doubt, Go Smaller

If you're unsure which size to choose, always err on the smaller side. A reptile that eats several small feeders gets the same nutrition as one that eats fewer large feeders — but without the choking or impaction risk. You can always size up at the next order once you've confirmed your animal handles the current size comfortably.

Browse our full selection: small, medium, and large discoid roaches — all gut-loaded and shipped with our live arrival guarantee.

— Matt, Founder, All Angles Creatures