Waxworms Size 15-25mm
Waxworms are the soft, high-fat larvae of the wax moth and make an attractive feeder insect for many reptiles, amphibians, and insectivorous birds. Treated with a natural process that slows pupation, they stay fresh for longer and store well. Raised on honey and wheatgerm, waxworms are highly palatable and ideal for young animals or species that benefit from gentler live food for reptiles, including geckos, bearded dragons, and tortoises. If you’re researching what do geckos eat or what can bearded dragons eat, waxworms are a useful occasional addition thanks to their energy-rich profile.
Waxworms should be kept in a cool, dark, ventilated area, as warm conditions speed up growth and encourage pupation into moths. At room temperature they usually last around 3–4 weeks, and any moths that emerge can still be fed as a treat. They arrive in clear tubs for easy handling but can be transferred into a larger ventilated container if needed. A small amount of bran and honey can be added as food and moisture.
For feeding, place a few wax worms in a shallow dish inside the vivarium or cage. Their high fat content makes them ideal for fussy eaters or for safely increasing body condition in thin animals, but they shouldn’t be used as a staple diet. They’re a helpful supplement for leopard geckos, bearded dragons, tortoises, and other reptiles where you may be deciding what to feed a tortoise or what do lizards eat as part of a varied feeding routine.