Can Leopard Geckos Eat Fireflies / Lightning Bugs?
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Lethal. Fireflies produce lucibufagins — defensive steroids that are acutely toxic to leopard geckos. A single firefly has killed geckos in documented cases. There is no safe amount and no antidote. This applies to all firefly species regardless of whether they appear to glow. Never feed any wild-caught insect.
See the full feeder insects guide, or browse all 593 info pages.
Yes. Dubia Roaches is a staple feeder for leopard geckos. The gold standard.
Yes. Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Phoenix Worm) is a staple feeder for leopard geckos. The only feeder insect with a Ca:P ratio approaching the ideal 2:1 — Phoenix Worm brand comes in at 1.52:1, making it the single best natural calcium source available.
Yes. Crickets is a staple feeder for leopard geckos. High protein and low fat make crickets nutritionally solid, but a Ca:P ratio of just 0.08 means dusting is non-negotiable.
Yes. Discoid Roaches is a staple feeder for leopard geckos. Nearly identical profile to dubia roaches and an excellent alternative.
Yes. Mealworms is a supplement feeder for leopard geckos. Protein is decent but fat is considerably higher than dubia or crickets, and the Ca:P ratio of 0.04 is the worst of common feeders.
Yes. Superworms is a supplement feeder for leopard geckos. Higher fat than mealworms and lower protein — not a nutritional upgrade.