What Do Reptiles Eat in the Wild? The Best Feeder Insects for Bearded Dragons, Chameleons, and More

The Best Feeder Insects for Specific Reptiles and Exotic Pets

Choosing the right feeder insect can mean the difference between a thriving pet and one that struggles with health or behavioral issues. For one chameleon owner we worked with, switching to gut-loaded hornworms not only improved hydration but also brought out vibrant colors they hadn’t seen in months.

Understanding your pet’s wild diet is the first step to making smarter feeding decisions. By mimicking nature, you can meet your pet’s nutritional needs while encouraging natural behaviors like hunting and foraging. This guide breaks down the best feeders for specific reptiles and exotic pets, how they align with their wild diets, and why All Angles Creatures is your trusted source for live feeders.

Why Wild Diets Matter

In the wild, reptiles and exotic pets don’t just eat—they hunt. Their prey choices are shaped by their environment and biological needs. For example:

• Chameleons: Rely on slow-moving, moisture-rich prey like caterpillars to stay hydrated.
• Leopard Geckos: Hunt small, energy-dense insects like beetles and crickets in arid regions.

Mimicking these wild diets helps ensure your pet gets proper nutrition, hydration, and behavioral enrichment. By offering feeders like hornworms or discoid roaches, you’re not just providing food—you’re recreating nature’s menu.

Best Feeders by Pet Species

Bearded Dragons

Wild Diet: Bearded dragons are opportunistic omnivores, eating insects, small invertebrates, and vegetation. Insects like beetles and grasshoppers are staples in their diet.
Best Feeders: Superworms, hornworms, discoid roaches, and occasional mealworms.
Why: High-protein feeders like discoid roaches mimic the nutrient-dense prey they consume in the wild. Hornworms add hydration, while superworms provide movement to engage their hunting instincts.
Pro Tip: Rotate feeders weekly to keep your dragon interested and prevent nutritional gaps.

Leopard Geckos

Wild Diet: Leopard geckos hunt small insects like beetles and crickets in arid environments, relying on easily digestible, high-energy prey.
Best Feeders: Mealworms, superworms, and discoid roaches.
Why: Mealworms and discoid roaches replicate the high-energy insects they naturally hunt, while superworms offer enrichment with their lively movement.
Pro Tip: Dust feeders with calcium powder to support strong bones and prevent metabolic bone disease.

Chameleons

Wild Diet: Chameleons eat slow-moving, hydration-rich prey like caterpillars and small insects. Their diet is naturally high in moisture.
Best Feeders: Hornworms, discoid roaches, and occasional superworms.
Why: Hornworms replicate the hydration-rich caterpillars chameleons naturally hunt, while discoid roaches provide protein and movement to stimulate their hunting instincts.
Pro Tip: Serve feeders on a branch or elevated surface to mimic their natural feeding behaviors.

Crested Geckos

Wild Diet: Crested geckos primarily consume fruit and nectar in the wild, supplemented by small insects for protein.
Best Feeders: Discoid roaches and small superworms.
Why: Discoid roaches provide the protein boost that supplements their fruit-based diet, while superworms add variety and engagement.
Pro Tip: Feed sparingly and always gut-load feeders for maximum nutritional value.

Amphibians (Frogs, Salamanders)

Wild Diet: Amphibians eat soft-bodied prey like worms and small insects, often foraging in moist environments. Hydration is critical to their health.
Best Feeders: Hornworms, mealworms, and discoid roaches.
Why: Hornworms mimic the soft, moisture-rich prey they forage for in the wild, while mealworms offer easy digestion.
Pro Tip: Feed during the evening to match their nocturnal hunting habits.

Birds and Small Mammals

Wild Diet: Many birds and small mammals forage for worms, larvae, and small insects to supplement their plant-based diets.
Best Feeders: Mealworms and superworms.
Why: These protein-rich feeders replicate the nutrient-dense larvae that birds and small mammals forage for in the wild.
Pro Tip: Offer live feeders sparingly to encourage dietary balance and prevent over-reliance.

Feeder Comparisons and Key Benefits

Feeder Type	Best For	Protein	Fat	Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio	Hydration	Replicates Wild Diet?	Storage Life
Superworms	Bearded dragons, leopard geckos	High	High	1:15	Moderate	Yes (Lively, high energy)	2–3 weeks
Hornworms	Chameleons, amphibians	Moderate	Low	1:3	High	Yes (Hydration-rich prey)	Up to 2 weeks
Mealworms	Leopard geckos, birds	Moderate	Moderate	1:20	Low	Yes (Small, easy prey)	1–3 months (refrigerated)
Discoid Roaches	Most reptiles, amphibians	High	Low	1:4	Moderate	Yes (Nutrient-dense prey)	Several months

Quick Tip: Use the "Replicates Wild Diet" column to match feeders to your pet’s natural preferences.

Tips for Feeding and Storage

Gut-Loading: Always gut-load feeders 24–48 hours before feeding with high-nutrition foods like dark leafy greens, carrots, and commercial gut-loading formulas.
Storage: Use ventilated containers and maintain species-specific temperatures to extend feeder lifespan.
Hydration: Include moisture-rich foods like squash or gel water in feeder containers to keep them hydrated without creating mold.
Beginner’s Note: If you’re new to reptiles, start with easy-to-store feeders like mealworms or discoid roaches—they’re reliable, versatile, and simple to manage.

FAQs

What’s the best feeder insect for picky eaters?
Hornworms are often irresistible due to their bright color, movement, and high moisture content.

How often should I feed my pet live insects?
Feeding schedules depend on the species. Juveniles usually eat daily, while adults may eat every 2–3 days.

How do I transition my pet to a new feeder?
Start by mixing the new feeder with a familiar one to build curiosity. Gradually reduce the old feeder until your pet fully accepts the new option.

What’s the most cost-effective feeder for reptiles?
Discoid roaches are a great choice due to their long storage life, high protein content, and minimal maintenance requirements.

Conclusion

Choosing the right feeders isn’t just about feeding your pets—it’s about helping them thrive. At All Angles Creatures, we specialize in gut-loaded, fresh feeders designed to replicate nature’s best.

When you choose feeders that align with your pet’s natural diet, you’re not just feeding them—you’re creating an environment where they can flourish. Shop now and experience the All Angles Creatures difference.