Feeder insects, gutloading and supplements

Pick a variety

Rotating several feeder species gives a more balanced diet than feeding one type. Good staples include dubia and discoid roaches, crickets, locusts, black soldier fly larvae and silkworms. Waxworms, superworms and butterworms are fatty treats.

Get the size right

A good rule for lizards is to feed insects no wider than the space between the animal's eyes. Oversized insects can cause choking or impaction.

Gutload first

Gutloading means feeding insects a nutritious diet for at least 24 hours before they're eaten, so the goodness passes on to your reptile. Use fresh greens, vegetables or a commercial gutload.

Dust with supplements

• Dust insects with calcium at most feeds. A light coating is enough.
• Use calcium without D3 if your reptile has good UVB, and with D3 if it doesn't.
• Add a multivitamin regularly; how often depends on the species and age (see the care sheets).
• Replace supplements every 6 months, as vitamins degrade.

Safety

• Never feed wild-caught insects: they can carry pesticides and parasites.
• Remove uneaten live insects. Crickets in particular will nibble a sleeping reptile.
• Fireflies are toxic to reptiles.