Mealworm, Pupa and Beetle

[Josh P.]

Mealworm (larva), pupa and beetle are the three stages of Tenebrio molitor (ignoring its egg stage), commonly used to feed geckos and other reptiles.

Is there a problem if a gecko eats a pupa or a beetle? Should we only feed mealworms (larvae stage) or are the other stages of Tenebrio also ok?

 

[marauderhex]

No problem, but I've had lots of leos turn their noses up to beetles. Some seem to prefer the pupa, oddly enough.

 

[Notmyfault]

No problem, but I've had lots of leos turn their noses up to beetles. Some seem to prefer the pupa, oddly enough.

I agree I have had no problem with some of my Leos eating the pupa or beetles. The only reason why I don't feed them of if ever is because I notice that they don't digest the pupa and beetles very well and you end up seeing pupa/beetle looking poops. Probably because of the higher chitin level. Due to that I would suggest not doing so because of the higher risk for impaction.

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[GeckoCrossing]

My babies love the freshly turned pupa. They're so soft and squishy right after; they just gobble them up