Can Leopard Geckos Eat Beetles?
Leopard geckos are among the most popular pet lizards in the world, and their ease of care – as well as their friendly, outgoing personalities – make them a great choice for the first-time reptile keeper. One of the most common questions asked by prospective gecko owners is whether these lizards can eat beetles.
What do Leopard Geckos Eat?
In the wild, leopard geckos are voracious predators, taking advantage of a variety of invertebrate animals for sustenance. Crickets and mealworms are the most widely-available choices for captive leopard geckos, however, these lizards will also happily consume certain kinds of beetles, depending on the species.
Types of Beetles Suitable for Leopard Geckos
The most common beetle food for leopard geckos is the Dubia roach. These insects are easy to care for, relatively inexpensive, and highly nutritious for a leopard gecko. Other suitable beetles include waxworms, mealworms, superworms, and occasionally hissing cockroaches, although these tend to be much more expensive than Dubia roaches.
Benefits of Beetles in the Diet
Beetles provide a nutritional boost to a leopard gecko’s diet, as they are higher in fat and protein than many of their other food options. Beetles are also a great source of vitamins and minerals, and can help to keep a gecko’s coat healthy and attractive.
Danger of Beetles in the Diet
Though beetles might sound like an appealing food option for leopard geckos, they can also cause problems. They are much more active than other common lizard foods such as crickets, so they can be difficult to catch and contain. Beetles should also be avoided if they are much larger than the gecko’s head, as they may not be able to digest or excrete them properly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, leopard geckos can eat certain kinds of beetles depending on the species. The most common beetle food for these lizards is the Dubia roach. Though beetles can provide a nutritional boost to a leopard gecko’s diet, they need to be carefully monitored to ensure that they are not too large for the gecko to digest.
