Did you know that tarantulas can go months without eating, but choosing the wrong feeder insect could harm your eight-legged friend?
These fascinating creatures have been keeping bugs in check for over 150 million years, making them nature’s original pest control experts.
As more people discover the joy of keeping tarantulas as pets, knowing what to feed them has become crucial.
This guide will show you the five best feeder insects for your tarantula, with proven tips from experts and fellow enthusiasts to keep your spider healthy and thriving.
Choosing the right feeder insects is essential for your tarantula’s health. Discover the top five best feeder options and their nutritional benefits.
Top 5 Best Feeder Insects (Or as I Call Them: The Spider Snack Squad)
1. Dubia Roaches (The Premium Package)
You know how we humans have superfood trends like quinoa and kale? Well, Dubia roaches are basically the spider equivalent of a perfectly grilled steak. They’re packed with:
- High protein (36.7%) – that’s more protein than a chicken breast!
- Low fat (7.2%) – keeping your spider beach-body ready
- Lots of calcium – for strong spider bones (okay, exoskeleton!)
- Can’t climb smooth walls (thank goodness!)
- Live longer than my last houseplant
Dr. Sarah Martinez from the American Tarantula Society backs me up here: “Dubia roaches are like a superfood for tarantulas. They’re packed with nutrition and easy to keep.” And trust me, she knows her stuff!
2. Crickets (The Classic Choice)
Ah, house crickets – the hamburger of the spider world. They’re:
- Bouncy and active (like caffeinated jumping beans)
- Available everywhere (like corner store coffee)
- Come in sizes from “tiny” to “whoah, that’s big”
- Pack decent protein (21.3%)
Fun fact: I once named a particularly athletic cricket “Michael Jordan” – he lasted 3 whole minutes!
3. Red Runner Roaches (The Speed Demons)
These little fast roaches are like the sports cars of the feeder world. They:
- Zoom around like they’re late for a meeting
- Pack protein like a bodybuilder’s lunch (32.4%)
- Multiply faster than social media trends
- Stay conveniently sized (no monster surprises!)
4. Mealworms (The Reliable Backup)
Think of mealworms as the canned soup of spider food. They:
- Last forever (almost)
- Cost less than your morning coffee
- Store easily in your fridge
- Perfect for spider youngsters
5. Superworms (The Big Boys)
Superworms are like the jumbo hot dogs of the spider world. They’re:
- Protein-packed powerhouses
- Perfect for bigger spiders
- Long-lasting leftovers
- Worth every penny
Feeding Guide By Spider Size
Think of this like a kids’ menu vs. adult portions at a restaurant. You wouldn’t serve a toddler a whole turkey, right?
Baby Spiders (Under 1 inch)
- Feed them small crickets or cut-up mealworms
- Give food 2-3 times a week
- Make sure the food isn’t bigger than their body
Just last week, my youngest spider sling (that’s baby spider in spider-parent speak) reminded me why size matters. Little Aragog tried tackling a cricket almost his size – it was like watching a chihuahua trying to eat a watermelon!
Growing Spiders (1-3 inches)
- Use medium crickets or small roaches
- Feed them 1-2 times a week
- Watch that they eat all their food
Adult Spiders (Over 3 inches)
- Give large roaches or crickets
- Feed once a week
- Remove uneaten food after 24 hours
Important Feeding Tips
Keep these rules in mind (I learned some the hard way!):
- Never feed insects bigger than your spider’s body (trust me on this one)
- Take out old food they don’t eat (it gets smelly!)
- Give water in a shallow dish (no spider swimming pools)
- Don’t feed during molting (it’s like interrupting someone in the shower)
What to Feed When
| Spider Age | Best Food | How Often |
|---|---|---|
| Baby | Small crickets | 2-3 times weekly |
| Growing | Medium roaches | 1-2 times weekly |
| Adult | Large roaches | Once weekly |
Cost Comparison
Here’s what different foods cost for 100 insects (or as I call it, the “spider menu pricing”):
- Dubia roaches: $15-20
- Crickets: $8-12
- Mealworms: $5-8
- Superworms: $12-15
- Red runners: $18-22
Expert Tips
Tom Wilson, professional tarantula breeder, shares: “The key to healthy tarantulas is variety. Mix up their food sources, just like you wouldn’t eat the same thing every day.” (I tried eating only pizza for a week once – don’t recommend it for you OR your spider!)
Common Questions
Q: How often should I feed my tarantula? A: It depends on size. Babies eat more often than adults. Think of it like teenagers vs. grandparents!
Q: What if my spider won’t eat? A: They might be about to molt. Don’t worry if they skip meals sometimes. We all have our “not hungry” days!
Q: Can I catch wild bugs to feed them? A: No. Wild insects might have harmful chemicals or parasites. It’s like eating gas station sushi – just don’t risk it!
Special Care Tips
- Before Molting:
- Spiders often stop eating (like me before bathing suit season)
- Remove all food
- Give fresh water
- After Molting:
- Wait 7 days before feeding (patience, young grasshopper!)
- Start with small prey
- Watch for normal eating
For more detailed information about tarantula care, visit the American Tarantula Society.
And when you’re ready to geek out with fellow spider enthusiasts, hop over to Arachnoboards – it’s like Facebook for spider people, minus the political arguments!
Final Food for Thought
Remember folks, feeding your tarantula isn’t rocket science, but it’s also not a buffet free-for-all. As my grandmother used to say (if she had kept tarantulas): “The way to a spider’s heart is through proper prey size and variety!”
Note: All the fancy scientific stuff comes from the American Tarantula Society and professional breeders who actually know what they’re talking about. I just made it fun to read! Always watch your spider’s behavior – they’re better than Yelp reviews at telling you what works for them.
