Can You Feed Leopard Geckos Anything Other Than Crickets?

The leopard gecko (Ebulepharis macularius) is among the easiest reptiles to keep as a pet and can live up to 20 years or more with proper care. They are insect-eaters and do not eat fruit or vegetables. Their staple diet in captivity is live crickets, but variety is usually welcome.

  1. Worms or Larvae

    • Leopard geckos will also eat mealworms, silkworms and superworms, all of which are available commercially.

    Other Insects

    • Small cockroaches are acceptable and hatchlings like fruit flies (drosophila).

    Pinkie Mice

    • Most sources recommend pinks or pinkie mice for adult leopard geckos. "Pinks" are newborn mice, usually 1 to 5 days old, that have not developed hair; their naked skins are pink-colored, hence the name.

    Cautions

    • The Avian &Exotic Animal Hospital and GeckoCare.net recommend feeding waxworms as an occasional treat and not as part of a regular diet because they are both addictive and fattening.

      According to GeckoCare.net, mealworms are not very nutritious and should be given only about once a week.