Published October 26, 2026 · The Cricket Depot, San Antonio, Texas
We raise crickets, so you might expect this article to say crickets win. The honest answer is that every common feeder insect has trade-offs, and many experienced keepers use more than one. Below is a fair look at four of the most popular options. Nutritional statements are kept general on purpose: published values vary a lot with the insect's life stage, diet and how it was measured, and the label on any product you buy is a better guide than a single number.
House crickets
Strengths: crickets are lively, and their movement triggers a strong feeding response in many reptiles, amphibians and spiders. They come in a wide range of sizes, from pinheads for hatchlings to adults for large lizards, and they take gut-loading well. They are widely available and have been a staple feeder for decades.
Drawbacks: crickets need a decent setup to stay alive, they can smell if neglected, adult males chirp, and escapees can be a nuisance in the house. They also have a shorter lifespan than some alternatives, so you buy more often. Like most feeder insects, they are low in calcium relative to phosphorus, so most keepers dust them.
Dubia roaches
Strengths: dubia roaches (Blaptica dubia) are popular for good reasons. They do not climb smooth surfaces well, do not fly as adults in typical keeper conditions, are generally quiet and are often described as less smelly than crickets. They live a long time, so a supply lasts, and they offer a meaty body for their size.
Drawbacks: they move more slowly and tend to burrow or hide, which some animals find less interesting than a hopping cricket. Feeding from a dish or with tongs often helps. Many people are simply uncomfortable with roaches. They are also restricted in some places; for example, Florida restricts keeping them because of concern about them becoming established. Check your own state's rules before buying.
Mealworms
Strengths: mealworms (the larvae of a darkling beetle) are cheap, easy to find, silent and simple to keep. Refrigerating them slows their development, so they store well. They stay put in a smooth dish, which makes portioning easy.
Drawbacks: mealworms are commonly described as higher in fat and as having a tougher outer shell than soft-bodied feeders, so many keepers treat them as one part of a varied diet rather than a staple, especially for small animals. Their movement is limited, and some animals ignore them. Superworms, a larger relative, are a separate option with their own pros and cons.
Black soldier fly larvae
Strengths: black soldier fly larvae, often sold under brand names, are frequently noted for having naturally higher calcium than most feeder insects, which is a genuine advantage. They need no feeding while in the larval stage, store at room temperature and do not smell much.
Drawbacks: they are small, so larger animals need many of them. Their skin is fairly tough. They will eventually pupate and turn into flies if not used in time, which some keepers do not appreciate indoors. Their wriggling movement appeals to some animals and not others.
Side by side
- Feeding response: crickets are hard to beat for active hunters; roaches and larvae are better from a dish.
- Ease of keeping: mealworms and soldier fly larvae are easiest; dubias are easy and long-lived; crickets need the most attention.
- Odor and noise: crickets can smell and chirp if neglected; the other three are quieter and usually less smelly.
- Escapes: crickets hop; the others are easier to contain.
- Size range: crickets offer the widest single-species size range.
- Calcium: soldier fly larvae stand out; the others usually benefit from dusting.
- Fat: mealworms are typically considered the fattier option of the four.
Why variety makes sense
Many keepers and vets encourage a varied insect diet. Different insects bring different nutrients and textures, and variety can keep a picky eater interested. A common pattern is to use one or two staples and rotate in others. For example, a leopard gecko might eat crickets and dubias as staples, with occasional soldier fly larvae. Your vet can tell you which combinations suit your species.
Cost and convenience
Prices change with region, season and quantity, so it is hard to compare costs fairly in a single number. In general, crickets and mealworms are among the most affordable feeders when bought in bulk, while dubia roaches often cost more per insect but last longer, which can even out the difference over time. Soldier fly larvae are usually sold in smaller cups and are convenient for small animals. Convenience also includes how often you need to reorder and how much space and time each insect needs at home. Crickets reward a few minutes of daily care; the others can be more forgiving if you travel or get busy. Shipping matters too: insects travel best in mild weather, and a local or in-state supplier can mean less time in transit. Think about your schedule as much as the price tag when you choose.
So which should you choose?
If your animal is an active hunter, or if you need very small or very specific sizes, crickets are an excellent staple. If you want low maintenance, roaches or larvae can fill gaps between cricket orders. Whatever you use, buy from a reputable breeder, keep the insects healthy and gut-load the ones that eat. Our guides on gut-loading and keeping crickets alive help you get the most from crickets, and wild vs. farm-raised crickets explains why sourcing matters for any feeder.