What Size Feeder Insect Should I Use? The Eyes-Width Rule
Matt Goren
What Size Feeder Insect Should I Use?
The universal rule of reptile feeding: never offer a feeder insect wider than the space between your reptile's eyes. This guideline applies to all feeder types — discoid roaches, silkworms, hornworms, BSFL, and everything else. Prey that fits this guideline passes safely through the esophagus and digestive tract. Prey that is too large risks choking, impaction, and stress.
Sizing by Species
| Species | Age | Recommended Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Bearded dragon | Baby | Small nymphs, small silkworms |
| Bearded dragon | Adult | Large roaches, large silkworms, large hornworms |
| Leopard gecko | All ages | Small to medium — NOT large |
| Chameleon | Adult veiled/panther | Medium roaches, medium silkworms |
| Crested gecko | Adult | Small only — cresties have small mouths |
| Monitor/tegu | Adult | Large roaches, large hornworms, large silkworms |
When in Doubt, Go Smaller
A reptile eating several small feeders gets the same nutrition as one eating fewer large feeders — without the choking or impaction risk. You can always size up at the next order once you confirm your animal handles the current size comfortably.
Browse our feeders in all sizes: small, medium, and large discoid roaches | small, medium, and large silkworms | small and large hornworms.
— Matt, Founder, All Angles Creatures
Published · last updated