Superworms are a popular feeder insect for many pet reptiles, including bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and chameleons. But can chameleons eat superworms safely? Are superworms good or bad for chameleons? In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about feeding superworms to chameleon pets.
What are Superworms?
Superworms, also known as king worms or morio worms, are the larvae form of the darkling beetle Zophobas morio They are larger and fatter versions of mealworms, growing up to 2 inches long before pupating into beetles
Superworms have soft, segmented bodies and are cream colored with dark brown/black heads and tails They have higher fat content and lower protein compared to mealworms But they still provide a good source of nutrients like
- Protein
- Healthy fats
- Fiber
- Calcium
- Vitamins and minerals
Many reptile owners love superworms because they are easy to breed and store, Their large size also makes them ideal feeders for larger pet reptiles compared to mealworms,
Can Chameleons Eat Superworms?
The good news is yes, superworms are perfectly safe for chameleons to eat. In fact, superworms are recommended as part of a varied diet for chameleons along with:
- Crickets
- Dubia roaches
- Silkworms
- Waxworms (as treats)
Superworms contain beneficial nutrients chameleons need like calcium, protein, and fat. Their chewing action is also great for keeping your cham’s teeth trimmed.
Most chameleons readily accept superworms too. But as with any new feeder, you may need to wiggle them around with tongs first to get their interest.
What Age Can Chameleons Eat Superworms?
Superworms can be fed to chameleons of any age. However, it’s best to wait until chameleons are at least juvenile size (2-3 months old) before offering superworms. This reduces risks of impaction or choking on pieces that are too large.
For baby and young juvenile chameleons under 3 months old, stick to feeding appropriately sized prey like:
- 1 week old crickets
- Fruit flies
- Pinhead crickets
- Small mealworms
Once your chameleon reaches 3-4 months old, you can start introducing small superworms alongside crickets, roaches, etc.
Select superworms that are no bigger than the space between your chameleon’s eyes to prevent choking hazards. You can buy different sizes of superworms from small to jumbo.
How Often Should Chameleons Eat Superworms?
Superworms are nutritious but also high in fat, so they shouldn’t make up the bulk of your cham’s diet. It’s recommended to feed superworms:
- 1-2 times per week
- As an occasional treat
Good alternatives to fill in your cham’s diet include crickets, dubia roaches, silkworms, and black soldier fly larvae. Variety is key!
Avoid feeding too many superworms as chameleons can become addicted. And excess fat from too many superworms could lead to obesity issues.
Use superworms to supplement your cham’s main prey 1-2 times a week. Or offer 1-2 superworms after their main insects as a tasty treat a couple times a month.
How Many Superworms Should I Feed My Chameleon?
The amount of superworms to feed depends on your chameleon’s size, age, and appetite. Here are some general superworm feeding guidelines:
- Babies (2-3 months): 1 small superworm per 2-3 feedings
- Juveniles (4-8 months): 1-2 medium superworms 1-2 times per week
- Subadults (9-18 months): 2-3 medium or large superworms 1-2 times per week
- Adults: 2-4 large superworms 1-2 times per week
Remember to always properly gut load your superworms before feeding to boost their nutritional value. And use supplements like calcium powder too.
Watch your chameleon’s appetite and weight, adjusting superworm amounts up or down as needed. Obese chameleons should cut back on fatty superworms. Underweight chams may benefit from increased superworms.
Are Superworms Safe for Chameleons?
Yes, superworms are completely safe for chameleons to eat. Many rumors circulate about superworms “eating their way out” of reptiles, but it is biologically impossible. Once swallowed, digestive acids immediately break down and kill superworms.
There are a few tips to feed superworms safely:
- Buy from reputable breeders: Ensure superworms are parasite and disease free
- Gut load: Feed superworms nutritious fruits/veggies before feeding
- Use calcium supplement: Dust with calcium powder to prevent deficiencies
- Size properly: Select superworms appropriately sized for your chameleon’s age/size
- Watch for signs of impaction: Discontinue if superworms cause constipation
As long as you follow basic feeding guidelines, superworms pose no harm to healthy chameleons. They are a nutritious feeder insect that most chameleons eagerly accept.
How to Gut Load Superworms
Gut loading your feeders substantially boosts the nutritional value of superworms for your chameleon. Here’s how to properly gut load superworms before feeding:
- House superworms in a plastic container with air holes, oatmeal bedding, and potato slices for moisture
- Feed nutritious foods like sweet potato, carrots, apple, oatmeal, wheat bran, etc
- Use commercial gut load diets: Excellent for optimal nutrition
- Feed 24-48 hours before feeding off superworms
- Refrigerate to slow digestion: Ensures nutrients stay in worm’s gut before feeding
Well-fed superworms pass more nutrients like calcium, vitamins, and minerals to your chameleon compared to superworms fed minimal diets.
Should Superworms Be Dusted with Supplements?
Yes, you should lightly coat (dust) superworms with calcium powder right before feeding to your chameleon.
Calcium powder helps prevent metabolic bone disease and other nutritional deficiencies. Simply place superworms in a plastic bag with calcium supplement, gently shake, then feed off.
Use calcium supplements without D3 for chameleons with proper UVB lighting. Or use calcium with D3 for chameleons without UVB.
Avoid over-supplementing. Lightly dust superworms at every 1-2 feedings.
How to Store Superworms
Superworms are one of the easiest feeder insects to keep and breed at home. Here are some superworm storage tips:
- House in plastic containers or bins with air holes
- Use wheat bran or oatmeal as bedding
- Provide potato slices for moisture
- Keep at room temperature between 60-80°F
- Ensure bedding stays dry to prevent mold
- Feed vegetables, fruits, grains regularly
- Refrigerate superworms to slow growth and breeding
With the proper setup, you can keep superworms alive for many months as a readily available feeder for your chameleons.
The Verdict: Are Superworms Good or Bad for Chameleons?
Superworms are a healthy, nutritious feeder insects suitable for chameleons of any age. They provide protein, fat, fiber, calcium and other beneficial nutrients chameleons need.
Most chameleons eagerly accept superworms too. They are a safe, staple feeder as part of a varied diet when fed properly.
Be sure to buy superworms from reputable sources, gut load before feeding, use correct supplements, and feed appropriate amounts. With smart feeding practices, superworms pose no harm and make an excellent addition to your chameleon’s diet!
How Many Superworms for Bearded Dragons?
- Young Bearded Dragons (1-3 months old) = 10-20 <1” Superworms 3-4 times a week
- Juvenile Bearded Dragons (3-9 months old) = 5-10 1”-1.5” Superworms 3-4 times a week
- Maturing Bearded Dragons (9+ months old) = 2-3 2” Superworms twice a week
How many Superworms for Emperor Scorpions?
- Young Emperor Scorpions (1-2 weeks) = 0 Superworms (Simply feed the Mother Scorpion*)
- Juvenile Emperor Scorpions (First molt – 5+ Inches) = 2-6 1”-1.5” Superworms every other day (outside of molting**)
- Maturing Emperor Scorpions (7-8 Inches) = 3-8 2” Superworms every other day * Mother scorpions will tear up food to feed their young. Simply feed the mother a little extra and she will take care of her scorplings. ** When you notice the start of molting (a dull exoskeleton color), withhold all food. Wait until the new exoskeleton has hardened before feeding again.
What bugs can you feed a pet chameleon?
FAQ
Will chameleons eat superworms?
Staple food items are insects that can be fed on a daily basis. Treats are just that, they offer no real good nutritional value, but offer variety to your chameleons’ diet. Staple insects include crickets, roaches, silkworms, and superworms. These items are okay for feeding on a daily basis.
What kind of worms can veiled chameleons eat?
Chameleons can eat: Crickets. Worms including: silkworms, calcium worms, earth worms, buffalo worms, morios, butter worms, meal worms, wax worms, bamboo worms and pachnoda grubs.
What is toxic to veiled chameleons?
Lightning bugs (fireflies) and most species of spiders can be toxic and should not be fed to your chameleon.
Can chameleons eat super worms?
I’ve read a number of care guides as well, all of which mentioned super worms being a good addition to your Chameleon’s diet. However, friend of my who has owned Chams before told me I should never feed them Supers. He told me that super worms can burrow through the Chams’ stomach, and that they won’t eat them if you crush the head.
What do chameleons eat?
It’s imperative that any insect you feed your chameleon is gut loaded. Superworms eat vegetables and fruits, including sweet potato, carrot and apples, which are all excellent in nutrition and moisture. You can also feed them oats and wheat bran. You can also purchase commercial superworm food to add to their nutritional value.
How many superworms should you feed a chameleon?
You should feed no more than two superworms, along with three crickets for a meal and no more than two or three superworms as a treat now and then. If you feed as a treat, always feed after the meal, not before. Superworms also have a good moisture content, making them ideal for dehydrated, or recently shedded chameleons. How Often Should I Feed?
Can chameleons eat mealworms?
Mealworms are considered to be a great source of both protein and fat for juvenile chameleons. They can be fed live or dry. Preferably, a chameleon must be given live food like living mealworms as it is a better source of nutrition.
Can chameleons eat wax worms?
Waxworms are also another diet option for chameleons. They are rich in high fat and protein. However, wax worms need to be fed at their larvae stage. They can be stored in a refrigerator to keep them in their larvae stage and then fed to a chameleon. But if they become a pupa, then they cannot be fed to a chameleon.
Do chameleons eat silkworms?
Silkworms are an essential feeder for female chameleons. When a female chameleon lays her eggs, the eggs will be more healthy and strong since the eggs will have more calcium content. Hence silkworms appear to be the most nutritious, most nourishing, and natural food.