Feeder insect

Can Leopard Geckos Eat Wild-caught insects?

Never feed — unsafe
Quick answer: No. Wild-caught insects should never be fed to a leopard gecko. Any insect from your garden, field, or outdoor space carries pesticide residue, herbicide contamination, and parasite risk (pinworms, flagellates, and others are common).
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Any insect from your garden, field, or outdoor space carries pesticide residue, herbicide contamination, and parasite risk (pinworms, flagellates, and others are common). There is no way to test or clean a wild insect sufficiently. Only ever feed captive-bred insects from a reputable supplier.

pesticide-riskparasite-risknever-feed

See the full feeder insects guide, or browse all 593 info pages.

Related feeder insects
Can Leopard Geckos Eat Dubia Roaches?

Yes. Dubia Roaches is a staple feeder for leopard geckos. The gold standard.

Can Leopard Geckos Eat Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Phoenix Worm)?

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.

Can Leopard Geckos Eat Crickets?

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.

Can Leopard Geckos Eat Discoid Roaches?

Yes. Discoid Roaches is a staple feeder for leopard geckos. Nearly identical profile to dubia roaches and an excellent alternative.

Can Leopard Geckos Eat Mealworms?

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.

Can Leopard Geckos Eat Superworms?

Yes. Superworms is a supplement feeder for leopard geckos. Higher fat than mealworms and lower protein — not a nutritional upgrade.