Mealworms for Reptiles
Mealworms are a popular feeder insect for many reptile species. However, feeding guidelines vary significantly between species.
Bearded Dragons
Feeding Schedule by Age
Hatchlings (0-3 months)
- • Quantity: 5-10 small mealworms per day
- • Frequency: Daily
- • Diet ratio: 80% insects, 20% vegetables
- • Calcium: Dust every feeding
Juveniles (3-12 months)
- • Quantity: 10-15 medium mealworms per day
- • Frequency: Daily
- • Diet ratio: 70% insects, 30% vegetables
- • Calcium: Dust 5 times per week
Adults (12+ months)
- • Quantity: 10-20 large mealworms
- • Frequency: 2-3 times per week
- • Diet ratio: 20% insects, 80% vegetables
- • Calcium: Dust 2-3 times per week
Leopard Geckos
Feeding Schedule by Age
Hatchlings (0-6 months)
- • Quantity: 5-8 small mealworms
- • Frequency: Daily
- • Size: Smaller than the space between their eyes
- • Calcium: Dust every feeding
Juveniles (6-12 months)
- • Quantity: 6-10 medium mealworms
- • Frequency: Every other day
- • Variety: Rotate with crickets and dubia roaches
- • Calcium: Dust every feeding
Adults (12+ months)
- • Quantity: 5-10 large mealworms
- • Frequency: 2-3 times per week
- • Weight: Monitor to prevent obesity
- • Calcium: Dust 2-3 times per week
⚠️ Critical Safety Information
- Impaction Risk: Mealworms have hard exoskeletons. Ensure proper temperatures (basking spot 38-42°C for beardies, 32-35°C for leos) for digestion
- Calcium Deficiency: Always dust with calcium powder. Mealworms have poor calcium:phosphorus ratio (1:10)
- Obesity: Mealworms are high in fat. Don't overfeed, especially adults
- Variety: Mealworms should be part of a varied diet, not the sole food source
- Gut Loading: Feed mealworms nutritious foods 24 hours before offering to reptiles
Other Reptiles
Blue Tongue Skinks
- Quantity: 10-15 mealworms
- Frequency: 2-3 times per week
- Note: Omnivores - balance with vegetables and fruit
Crested Geckos
- Quantity: 3-5 small mealworms
- Frequency: Once per week as treat
- Note: Primarily fruit-eaters, insects are supplementary
Chameleons
- Quantity: 5-10 mealworms
- Frequency: 2-3 times per week
- Note: Prefer moving prey, may need encouragement
Uromastyx
- Quantity: 5-8 mealworms
- Frequency: Once per week
- Note: Primarily herbivorous, insects are treats