How Many Black Soldier Fly Larvae to Feed Your Reptile

By My Store Admin
3 min read

Black soldier fly larvae are a great feeder, so you can offer them more often than fattier feeders like mealworms. But portion sizes still vary depending on your reptile's size and age.

This guide breaks down feeding guidelines by reptile type. For general care, see our black soldier fly larvae care guide.

Quick takeaway: Match larvae size to your reptile, offer a portion they'll finish in one sitting, and feel free to use BSFL as a regular staple feeder.

General Feeding Rule

Choose a larva size no bigger than the gap between your reptile's eyes, and offer only as many as they'll actively eat in one sitting. Because BSFL are gentle on digestion, they are fine to be part of the everyday rotation, rather than used sparingly.

How Many BSFL by Reptile Type

  • Bearded dragons (adult): 20-30 larger larvae, a few times a week as part of a varied diet.
  • Bearded dragons (juvenile / sub-adult): 10-20 larvae every 1-2 days, alongside other appropriately sized feeders.
  • Bearded dragons (hatchling): 20-30 small larvae offered daily.
  • Larger lizards and monitors: BSFL are very popular with dragon species, but monitors typically seem less interested. Offer 20-30 larger larvae per sitting, adjust frequency based on your reptiles size.
  • Geckos: Gecko's tend to not be as enthusiastic for BSFL as bearded dragons. But if your gecko does take BSFL, offer 5-10 appropriately sized larvae per sitting. Adjust frequency based on your geckos needs.

The above amounts are guidelines only, use your best judgment or consult a veterinary professional for exact advice catered to your animal.

Frequency Matters Less Than With Other Feeders

Because BSFL are lower in fat and easier to digest than mealworms or superworms, they don't carry the same overfeeding risk. Most keepers offer them several times a week, or even daily in smaller portions for growing juveniles, without the same concerns around weight gain. Though it's important to still monitor your animals body condition and adjust accordingly.

Juvenile vs Adult Feeding

Juveniles benefit from smaller, more frequent portions to support their fast growth and metabolism, while adults do well with a slightly larger portion offered less frequently. In both cases, keep BSFL as part of a varied diet alongside other feeders rather than the sole staple.

Signs You Are Overfeeding

Reduced interest in other feeders or a reptile that seems consistently full are signs to scale back the portion slightly and reintroduce more variety to their diet.

Getting Started

We at Reptifauna supply black soldier fly larvae across Australia (excl. WA & TAS). You can find more information below:

Browse the wider range in our black soldier fly larvae collection.

Final Thoughts

BSFL portioning comes down to matching larvae size and quantity to your reptiles needs, based on size and age. Their fantastic nutritional profile means there's more room for flexibility and more frequent feeding, than with fattier and harder feeders like superworms and mealworms.

For full day-to-day care, see our black soldier fly larvae care guide, or browse the complete guide to feeder insects in Australia.