Complete Guide to Feeder Insects in Australia
Feeder insects are a fundamental part of many animal diets, especially for various reptiles, amphibians, and bird species. Living in Australia, we might not have quite as much variety as overseas, but there are still plenty of insects to choose from.
From dubia roaches and crickets, to mealworms, superworms, black soldier fly larvae, and silkworms, each feeder has different strengths depending on your situation, reptile species, and feeding goals. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about common feeder insects and their differences.
Quick takeaway: The best feeder insect depends on your animals requirements, setup, and your preference as a keeper.
Understanding Feeder Insects in Australia
Feeder insects are live insects used as a primary or supplementary food source for reptiles, birds, and other animals. In Australia, the most commonly used feeders include dubia roaches, crickets, wood roaches (woodies), mealworms, superworms, black soldier fly larvae, and silkworms.
Each feeder differs in nutrition, ease of care, cost, and practicality. The best choice depends on your animal and how you prefer to manage feeding.
- Dubia roaches: reliable, nutritious, easy to manage
- Crickets: more active but higher maintenance
- Wood roaches: durable alternative to crickets
- Mealworms & superworms: convenient and widely used
- Black soldier fly larvae: strong nutritional profile
- Silkworms: premium feeder with high moisture content
What’s Right for You?
Feeder choice impacts your entire feeding routine. Some feeders are easier to store and last longer, while others require more maintenance but may trigger a stronger feeding response. Our lives as reptile keepers can all be made easier by picking the best feeder, or feeders, that suit both us and our reptiles.
Beginners often benefit from feeders that are easy to keep alive, while experienced keepers may prioritise breeding, cost efficiency, or dietary variety.
Care, Setup, and Handling
Different feeder insects require different care. Crickets tend to be more fragile, while dubia roaches and wood roaches are more resilient. Worm-based feeders are often easier to store but can lack some of the nutritional benefits of other feeders.
- Temperature: varies growth rate and survivability
- Ventilation: more is almost always better
- Food and hydration: improves feeder quality
- Living conditions: impact longevity
Detailed information on each feeder type is below.
Dubia Roaches
Dubia roaches are one of the most popular feeder insects worldwide but are still relatively new to Australia. Their high nutrition, ease of care, and reliability make them appealing in almost all applications.
Below is some more in-depth information you may find helpful.
Crickets
Crickets are widely used, affordable, and provide a strong feeding response due to their fast movement. Though require more maintenance and can die off quickly if not managed correctly.
Even in ideal situations, they have a much shorter shelf life than many other feeders. Below is some more in-depth information you may find helpful.
Wood Roaches (Woodies)
Wood roaches (woodies) are a durable feeder option commonly used in Australia and are often preferred over crickets for their hardiness and longer life expectancy.
Their lightning speed and ability to climb almost any surface can make them trickier to feed and store. Below is some more in-depth information you may find helpful.
Mealworms and Superworms
Mealworms and superworms are convenient feeders often used for bearded dragons and other reptiles, as well as poultry. They are easy to store and widely available but should be used appropriately depending on the animal.
In most cases they are best used as a supplementary food source for reptiles due to their high fat content and harder exoskeletons. Below is some more in-depth information you may find helpful.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae and Silkworms
Black soldier fly larvae and silkworms are often considered premium feeders due to their nutritional benefits and suitability for specific reptiles. Black soldier fly larvae are usually available year-round, while silkworms tend to be seasonal.
Below is some more in-depth information you may find helpful.
Why Does Choosing the Right Feeder Matter?
Choosing the right feeder insect, or variety of insects, matters because they directly affect your animal’s health, growth, and nutrition. Different feeders vary in nutritional value and suitability, and some reptiles prefer certain insects over others.
Feeder choice can affect:
- Feeding frequency
- Reptile health and growth
- Cost over time
- Ease of maintenance
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong feeder size
- Relying on one feeder only
- Poor storage leading to die-off
- Ignoring gut loading and feeder quality
Further information on troubleshooting common mistakes:
Cost and Convenience
Some feeder insects are cheaper but require more effort, while others can cost more but are convenient and consistent. Choosing the right balance is key for long-term reptile care and for you as a keeper.
Conveniently, we’ve dug further into this below: Feeder Insect Cost Comparison Australia
Where to Buy Quality Feeders in Australia
Reliable feeder insects make feeding easier and more consistent, and what you need can influence the best place to buy them.
For example, if you only need a small number of crickets, buying small tubs at a pet shop may be the best option. It may cost more per insect, but buying bulk online is not always practical if their short lifespan means you cannot use them in time.
If you need dubia roaches, woodies, mealworms, or superworms, buying in bulk online can often save money, and their longer lifespan gives you more time to use them if stored properly.
Here at Reptifauna, the only feeder insect we currently supply is dubia roaches, although we may look at adding more options in the future.
Crickets, woodies, mealworms, superworms, black soldier fly larvae, and silkworms can all be found through other Australian online retailers or at most local pet stores.
Related Guides
Explore More Information About Feeders
Final Thoughts
Feeder insects in Australia vary widely in nutrition, care requirements, and practicality. By understanding the differences, you can build a feeding system that works for both you and your reptiles.
Choosing high-quality feeder insects, and using them in the correct applications, will help your animals thrive long term.
