Crickets vs. Mealworms: The Great Feeder Insect Debate
If you keep reptiles, amphibians, or insectivorous birds, you've almost certainly encountered the classic debate: crickets or mealworms? Both are widely available, affordable, and accepted by a huge range of animals. But they're not interchangeable — each has distinct nutritional profiles, handling challenges, and situations where one outperforms the other.
Nutritional Comparison
| Nutrient | Crickets (approx.) | Mealworms (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | ~60–65% (dry weight) | ~50–55% (dry weight) |
| Fat | ~15–20% | ~28–33% |
| Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio | Better (closer to 1:3) | Poor (around 1:14) |
| Moisture | ~74% | ~62% |
| Chitin (exoskeleton) | Moderate | Lower (in larvae) |
Note: Nutritional values vary based on diet and life stage. Values above are general approximations.
Crickets: Pros and Cons
Advantages of Crickets
- Higher protein, lower fat — ideal for active reptiles and growing animals
- Movement stimulates hunting instincts — great for animals that respond to live prey
- Easier to gutload — crickets eat a wide variety of nutritious foods readily
- Better calcium-to-phosphorus ratio — important for bone health
- Widely available in pet stores and online in multiple sizes
Disadvantages of Crickets
- Noisy — chirping can be disruptive, especially at night
- Escape easily — require secure housing
- Shorter shelf life — can die quickly if poorly maintained
- Can bite animals if left in enclosure too long uneaten
Mealworms: Pros and Cons
Advantages of Mealworms
- Easy to store — larvae can be refrigerated to slow development
- Silent and escape-proof when kept in smooth-sided containers
- Long shelf life compared to crickets
- Accepted readily by many picky eaters
- Available in larval, pupae, and adult (darkling beetle) stages
Disadvantages of Mealworms
- High fat content — can cause obesity if used as a primary feeder
- Very poor calcium-to-phosphorus ratio — must be heavily supplemented
- Less movement — not ideal for animals that need prey-drive stimulation
- Hard exoskeleton in adult beetles can be difficult to digest
Which Animals Prefer Crickets?
- Bearded dragons (especially juveniles)
- Chameleons
- Tree frogs and dart frogs
- Anoles and skinks
- Praying mantises
Which Animals Prefer Mealworms?
- Leopard geckos (as an occasional treat)
- Hedgehogs
- Wild birds (garden feeding)
- Some fish species
- Turtles and tortoises (occasionally)
The Verdict: Use Both
Rather than choosing one feeder insect exclusively, most experienced keepers recommend rotating between crickets, mealworms, and other feeders like dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae, and waxworms. This dietary variety ensures your pet receives a broader range of nutrients and prevents feeding monotony, which can lead to food refusal. Use crickets as your primary feeder insect for most insectivorous reptiles, and offer mealworms as an occasional supplement or treat.
Don't Forget Supplementation
Regardless of which feeder insect you choose, always dust them with a quality calcium and vitamin D3 supplement before feeding. Even well-gutloaded crickets can't fully meet all of your pet's micronutrient needs on their own.