Yes, leopard geckos can eat silkworms, and they are actually one of the more nutritionally valuable feeder insects available. The combination of moderate protein, low fat, and useful mineral content makes silkworms a better supplemental feeder than many of the options commonly kept in insect collections. This guide covers the nutritional case for silkworms, how to incorporate them into a leopard gecko’s diet, and a few practical notes on sourcing and feeding that apply specifically to this insect.
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Nutritional Profile of Silkworms
Silkworms (Bombyx mori) larvae have an unusually strong nutritional profile relative to their fat content. Key figures per 100g of fresh weight:
| Nutrient | Silkworm | Cricket (comparison) | Mealworm (comparison) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | ~64% dry weight | ~67% | ~53% |
| Fat | ~10% dry weight | ~18% | ~28% |
| Calcium | Moderate-high | Low | Very low |
| Moisture | ~76% | ~72% | ~62% |
The standout qualities are the relatively high calcium content compared to most feeder insects and the low fat content compared to species like mealworms or waxworms. This makes silkworms useful not just as a protein source but as an insect that contributes calcium on its own, reducing the supplementation burden slightly when used regularly. The high moisture content also means they contribute to hydration, which is relevant for leopard geckos prone to dehydration.
Can Leopard Geckos Eat Silkworms?
Yes, without reservation. Silkworms are soft-bodied, easy to consume (including for juveniles and animals with specific dietary preferences), and most leopard geckos accept them readily. The softness of the exoskeleton is also gentler on the digestive system than chitin-heavy insects like adult beetles or mature mealworms. There are no concerns about silkworms being toxic, too stimulating, or nutritionally imbalanced when used as part of a varied diet.
The full guide to what leopard geckos eat is covered in the main leopard gecko care guide. Silkworms fit within that diet as a rotation feeder or occasional supplement rather than a sole staple.
How to Feed Silkworms to Leopard Geckos
Size
The standard prey sizing rule applies: offer silkworms no wider than the distance between the gecko’s eyes. Silkworms are available at various stages of larval growth. Small silkworms (0.5 to 1 inch) suit juveniles and small adults. Larger silkworms (1 to 2 inches) are appropriate for adult geckos. Oversized prey risks impaction, so err toward smaller rather than larger when uncertain.
Live vs frozen
Live silkworms are preferred. Leopard geckos are visual hunters and the movement of live prey stimulates feeding. Frozen silkworms can be used if fresh supply is not available, but feeding response is typically lower. Thaw frozen silkworms to room temperature before offering and use tongs to create movement.
Gut-loading
Silkworms are somewhat self-gut-loading in that they feed on mulberry leaves, which are nutritionally dense. If you are maintaining live silkworms, keep them on fresh mulberry leaves or on commercially available silkworm chow. Do not feed them to the gecko immediately after purchase without any feeding period — allow 24 hours of gut-loading on quality food first.
Supplementation
Because silkworms already have moderate-high calcium content relative to other feeder insects, you do not need to dust as heavily as you would with crickets or mealworms when using silkworms. A light calcium dusting at every other silkworm feeding is appropriate. Continue your normal vitamin D3 supplement schedule regardless of which insects you are feeding.
How Often Can Leopard Geckos Eat Silkworms?
Silkworms can be offered as part of every feeding rotation, not just as occasional treats. Unlike waxworms (which are high fat) or superworms (which have a higher chitin load), silkworms do not need to be rationed. A practical approach is to offer silkworms for one or two feeding sessions per week as part of a varied diet alongside crickets, Dubia roaches, or mealworms. This variety provides the broadest nutritional coverage and keeps feeding response high — leopard geckos tend to remain more food-motivated with a varied insect diet than with a single repeated feeder. For how often to feed your gecko overall, see the leopard gecko feeding schedule guide.
Sourcing Silkworms
Silkworms are not as readily available as crickets or mealworms in most pet stores. Specialist reptile retailers and online feeder insect suppliers are the most reliable sources. They are also more perishable than other feeder insects — maintain live silkworms at room temperature (not refrigerated) on fresh mulberry leaves or commercial silkworm chow, and use within 1 to 2 weeks of purchase. Refrigerating silkworms kills them quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are silkworms a good feeder for leopard geckos?
Yes. Silkworms have a useful nutritional profile for feeder insects — moderate protein, low fat, and relatively high calcium content compared to crickets or mealworms. They are soft-bodied and easy to consume, and most leopard geckos accept them readily.
How do you feed silkworms to a leopard gecko?
Offer live silkworms no wider than the distance between the gecko’s eyes. Use tongs if needed to encourage feeding response. Gut-load silkworms on mulberry leaves or commercial silkworm chow for 24 hours before offering. A light calcium dusting at every other feeding is sufficient given their naturally higher calcium content.
How often can leopard geckos eat silkworms?
Silkworms can be part of every feeding rotation — they do not need to be rationed like high-fat feeders such as waxworms. Offering silkworms for one or two feeding sessions per week alongside other feeder insects provides good nutritional variety.
Can baby leopard geckos eat silkworms?
Yes, with appropriately small silkworms. Small larvae (0.5 to 1 inch) are the right size for juveniles. The soft exoskeleton of silkworms makes them suitable even for young geckos that have difficulty with harder-bodied insects.
