Are Silkworms the Ideal Staple Feeder for Your Reptile?
Silkworms (Bombyx mori) are one of the cleanest, most digestible feeder insects available—and they're often overlooked. These soft-bodied caterpillars are naturally high in calcium, low in fat, and packed with protein, making them an excellent choice for a wide range of reptiles. From juvenile bearded dragons to delicate chameleons, silkworms are a gentle, high-nutrition feeder that many reptiles will eat even when they’re refusing everything else.
Originally domesticated for silk production in ancient China, silkworms fueled the global silk trade for centuries. The Chinese kept the secrets of sericulture guarded for over 2,000 years, creating an empire built on shimmering threads. But these days, silkworms are gaining new relevance—not for fabric, but for feeding.
Why Reptiles Love Silkworms
Silkworms move slowly and have soft, squishy bodies that are easy for reptiles to spot, catch, and consume. That makes them ideal for:
- Baby or juvenile bearded dragons
- Picky eaters who reject crickets or mealworms
- Reptiles recovering from injury, illness, or brumation
They’re quiet, odorless, and non-aggressive—perfect for indoor feeding without any of the chaos or noise of jumpy feeders.
High in Calcium, Low in Fat
Most feeder insects require dusting with calcium powder to balance their poor calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. Silkworms don’t. They naturally contain a much more favorable mineral profile, helping prevent metabolic bone disease (MBD) and promoting healthy skeletal development—especially in young or breeding reptiles.
They’re also low in fat, making them a great option for species prone to obesity or for owners trying to manage weight while still offering nutritious feeders.
Protein-Packed and Easy to Digest
Each silkworm delivers a clean source of protein without excess chitin, meaning less digestive strain and better nutrient absorption. They provide sustained energy and muscle support without the bloating or constipation risk common with harder-bodied insects.
Who Should Be Eating Silkworms?
- Bearded dragons (ideal for both juveniles and adults)
- Chameleons (soft texture and easy movement make them irresistible)
- Leopard geckos and crested geckos (excellent for variety in rotation)
- Monitors and tegus (especially younger individuals)
- Amphibians like pacman frogs and axolotls
Silkworms are one of the few feeders suitable across such a wide spectrum of insectivores and omnivores. They’re especially useful for keepers who want to avoid feeders with hard exoskeletons or aggressive behavior.
Feeding and Care Tips
Silkworms don’t live long—usually 1 to 2 weeks in their worm stage—but with proper handling, they’re easy to manage. Keep them at room temperature, avoid excess humidity, and feed them daily with either fresh mulberry leaves or commercial silkworm chow. For best results:
- Use tongs or a shallow feeding dish
- Remove uneaten worms within a few hours
- Use gut-loading chow to further boost nutritional value
Final Word
Whether you’re feeding a young bearded dragon or nursing a sick gecko back to health, silkworms are one of the most reliable, nutrient-rich feeders you can use. They’re clean, quiet, and biologically suited to a reptile’s dietary needs—no calcium dusting required, and no crunchy exoskeleton to digest.
They’ve come a long way from their ancient role in silk robes and royal garments. Today, silkworms are here to nourish, not clothe. Add them to your feeder rotation and see the difference in appetite, energy, and health.