Dubia Roaches vs Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Two staple feeders with very different calcium content. Which one still needs dusting, and which is easier to keep alive in a bin.
The short version
Black soldier fly larvae are the unusual feeder that carries a genuinely favourable calcium to phosphorus ratio, so they need less dusting than almost anything else you can buy. Dubia roaches are meatier, more filling, easier to gut load and easier to keep as a colony, but like nearly every feeder they are low in calcium and need dusting. Use both. Variety matters more than picking a winner here, and a dragon fed one insect for years is more likely to refuse anything new when you eventually need it to eat something different.
NutriGrubs Black Soldier Fly Larvae, 200 Large
About $6
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| Dubia Roaches, 200 Medium | NutriGrubs Black Soldier Fly Larvae, 200 Large | |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium to phosphorus ratio | Poor, needs dusting | Favourable |
| Needs gut loading | Yes, and takes it well | Less critical |
| Keeping them alive | Easy, weeks in a bin | Short window, they pupate |
| Escape risk | Cannot climb smooth sides | Low |
| Acceptance by most dragons | High | Usually high |
| Cost per feed | Moderate | Low |
Choose the Dubia Roaches, 200 Medium if…
Choose dubia as the bulk staple. They are quiet, they do not climb smooth plastic, they live for weeks in a ventilated bin with cardboard and a food source, and they gut load extremely well, which makes them a good vehicle for improving what actually reaches the dragon. Dust them at the schedule your setup calls for and feed them from a dish. Size them to the space between the dragon's eyes rather than by what looks impressive.
Check Dubia Roaches, 200 Medium on Amazon
Choose the NutriGrubs Black Soldier Fly Larvae, 200 Large if…
Use black soldier fly larvae as a regular part of the rotation, particularly if you want to lean less heavily on dusting. Their shells hold calcium in a form that makes the whole insect nutritionally better balanced than most feeders. They have a shorter useful life in the tub because they pupate, so buy quantities you will use. Some dragons ignore them at first because they move less than a roach does, in which case offer them from tongs alongside something more active.
Check NutriGrubs Black Soldier Fly Larvae, 200 Large on Amazon
Related
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these products side by side. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many insects should an adult bearded dragon get?
Far fewer than a juvenile. Adults are largely plant eaters, with insects a smaller part of the diet, while growing juveniles need considerably more protein. Overfeeding insects to an adult is a common route to obesity and to fatty liver disease. Feed insects in a set session from a dish for a set time rather than leaving them loose in the enclosure, and adjust based on body condition with input from your vet.
Are crickets still worth buying?
They are perfectly usable and dragons enjoy hunting them, which has enrichment value. The practical objections are noise, smell, a short life in the tub and their habit of escaping and then chewing on a sleeping animal, which is a real reason to remove uneaten crickets at the end of a feeding session. Many keepers use them as a variety feeder rather than the staple.
Can I feed wild caught insects?
No. Wild invertebrates can carry parasites and can have been exposed to pesticides, and fireflies in particular are toxic to reptiles and have caused deaths. Stick to captive bred feeders from a supplier. If you are dealing with a dragon that has refused food for a while, that is a vet conversation rather than a reason to widen the menu into the garden.
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