Superworms are a great option if you’re looking for a new feeder insect for your pet. They’re rich in proteins and fats, and they can offer a lot of hydration and energy.
Even though they’re not highly attractive, they are inexpensive and readily available in pet shops. They’re usually fed to amphibians, birds, and reptiles. They are a favorite food item for reptiles and are common in tropical and subtropical South and Central America.
What Is a Superworm?
The darkling beetle’s brown or black worm larvae are known as superworms. Superworms are more accessible to process than regular mealworms because they have less chitin (exoskeleton). Sellers offer superworms in three different sizes.
They can reach a length of two inches or more, are voracious eaters, and have been known to eat paper products or gnaw their way out of the containers in which they are kept. If left without food and confined in a small space, superworms can be cannibalistic.
They catch the attention of their predators, whether it’s a leopard gecko or a sugar glider, and are rapidly scooped up as a meal because they’re active and attention-drawing. The life cycle of the superworm is identical to that of all other beetles. However, these tiny organisms can spend months in the larval stage of their life cycle.
Mealworms and superworms have a similar appearance. Superworms however, are often larger than mealworms, growing to be five times larger than them, due to higher chitin content. Superworms range in length from 1.5 to 2 inches and are fairly thick. Therefore, you should keep an eye on your pet’s calcium to phosphorus intake just like you would any other meal or treat. Here you will find if your pet is on the list of those that do well with superworms in their diet.
The Nutritional Value of Superworms
The nutritional value of superworms is determined by a few things, such as upbringing and what they consume, among other factors.
The easiest way to find out what’s in them is to ask the supplier for nutritional information. Some superworm caretakers even seek to breed their own. These worms are one of the most highly nutritious species available. Superworms are an excellent substitute for mealworms since they are bigger and provide more nutrients than many other common feeder insects, such as waxworms.
Bear in mind that, despite the fact that this breed is high in protein and other nutrients, you’ll still need to feed them high-nutrient meals and provide essential supplements so they can transfer that energy to your pet.
Are Superworms Good for Reptiles?
Superworms are commonly used as reptile feeders, but just the larvae. What about beetles in their adult form? Can superworm beetles be fed to reptiles?
Beetles, rather than grubs, are more regularly consumed in the wild, which makes sense given that grubs spend much of their time out of sight, making them difficult to find. However, insectivorous and omnivorous lizards appear drawn to superworms, and scuttling beetles seem to thrill them more than a worm.
Superworms for Bearded Dragons
Superworms are among the most popular insects to feed bearded dragons. The majority of beardies adore them!
You can feed them 1–2 superworms once or twice a week. However, they should be eaten in moderation as a treat because they are heavy in fat. You can feed superworms to malnourished dragons more frequently to help them acquire weight. Superworms should not be given to young bearded dragons because their thick chitinous exterior can lead to impaction, a life-threatening issue.
Are Superworms Safe for Baby Bearded Dragons?
Superworms are not healthy for baby bearded dragons since they have thick exoskeletons and are highly aggressive when hunted. In addition, baby bearded dragons have even more sensitive digestive processes than adult beardies, putting them at risk of intestinal impaction. They’re also more hesitant hunters than adults and can’t efficiently attack and swallow a furious superworm like an adult can.
Superworms for Leopard Geckos
Superworms are not a problem for leopard geckos to eat. However, due to their high-fat content, they should only be given as a treat. If you feed your leopard gecko too many of these worms, it will become obese, which might harm its health.
Because of their high fat and phosphorus content, you should only feed these worms in small quantities.
The answers will differ from one owner to another. Still, these should be maintained to a minimum to guarantee leopard geckos become accustomed to eating nutritional basics like crickets and mealworms and maintaining healthy weights. For most leopard geckos, once a week or once every two weeks is sufficient. It’s okay to give your gecko two or three of these worms at a time, but never more than that, no matter how sweetly he looks at you. Make sure the superworms are the right size for the leos. For newborns, 3/8 of an inch is good, and 1/4 inch for juveniles. Only give adult-sized worms to fully-grown leos.
Superworms for Chameleons
Knowing that superworms are high in fat, fiber, and calcium, you might be wondering if they’re healthy and nutritious for your chameleon or if they should just be given as a treat.
Crickets, roaches, silkworms, and superworms are typical chameleon food. As a result, they are included in the chameleon’s standard diet.
Superworms for Tarantulas
You may be tired of reproducing your noisy, stinky crickets and want to know if these superworms are healthier than mealworms. When compared to mealworms, the superworm has lower protein content. Superworms also have significantly more calcium than other feeders. Unfortunately, most tarantula owners have found that their spiders ignore superworms. If you’re going to give superworms to your tarantula, keep them in a feeding dish where they won’t be able to escape and burrow.
Superworms for Birds
Superworms are a favorite snack of almost all backyard birds. Were you under the impression that these were only for bluebirds? Nope. Chickadees, titmice, sparrows, woodpeckers, robins, wrens, orioles, tanagers, warblers, blue jays, and starlings are just a few examples. Superworms are eaten happily by almost any bird that consumes insects.
Final Thoughts
We hope this information will help you decide if you should offer your pet a superworm diet. Make sure you know what the best options are for your friend.
