Feeding Mealworms to Tarantulas
Mealworms are an excellent staple food for tarantulas of all sizes. They're nutritious, easy to digest, and readily accepted by most species.
Feeding Guidelines by Size
Spiderlings (0.5-2cm)
- Size: Micro mealworms or freshly moulted
- Frequency: 2-3 times per week
- Quantity: 1-2 small mealworms
Juveniles (2-5cm)
- Size: Small to medium mealworms
- Frequency: 2 times per week
- Quantity: 2-4 mealworms
Adults (5cm+)
- Size: Large mealworms
- Frequency: Once per week
- Quantity: 3-6 mealworms
⚠️ Important Safety Tips
- • Never feed mealworms larger than the tarantula's body length
- • Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent stress
- • Avoid feeding during moulting period (2 weeks before and after)
- • Crush the head of large mealworms for smaller tarantulas
- • Ensure mealworms are gut-loaded for optimal nutrition
Best Practices
- Feed in the evening when tarantulas are most active
- Use feeding tongs to place mealworms near the tarantula
- Monitor feeding response - healthy tarantulas strike quickly
- Reduce feeding frequency for adult females before breeding
- Supplement with other prey (crickets, roaches) for variety