Video credit: Animal1 Guy. Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfOwnlyjKJM. This is our own independent breakdown and is not affiliated with the video creator. As an Amazon Associate, DragonPop earns from qualifying purchases. Product prices shown in the video may have changed.
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Product breakdown
- Dubia roaches live feeder
- Symton black soldier fly larvae
- live crickets for reptiles
- mealworms live feeder
- superworms live feeder
This breakdown is our own summary of the video for reference. Confirm current specs and price on the retailer page before buying.
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This is our own independent breakdown and is not affiliated with the video creator. As an Amazon Associate, DragonPop earns from qualifying purchases. Product prices shown in the video may have changed.
This video shows a setup in this class centered on black soldier fly larvae for pet lizards. It is useful if you want to see how BSFL fit into a normal bearded dragon feeding routine alongside other common live feeders. Updated in November 2026, our notes below translate that idea into products you can actually order today.
What This Video Covers
Animal1 Guy gives a real world look at black soldier fly larvae as a pet lizard feeder in the video titled Black Soldier Fly Larvae For Pet Lizards by GrubTerra. Think of it as a setup in this class, not an exact shopping list. The value is watching how the larvae look, how they move, and why many keepers like them for bearded dragons that need regular insect meals with less fuss.
This type of feeding approach suits juveniles that are eating insects daily and adults that get insects a few times per week alongside salads. Babies can also eat appropriately sized BSFL, but you have to be careful about size and quantity. Feeder size and quantity depend on your dragon’s age and appetite, not a fixed count. Always offer appropriately sized insects that are no longer than the space between your dragon’s eyes is a rule keepers commonly report.
For enclosure scale, picture a normal home setup with a secure basking area, a cool hide, and a separate small feeding tub or dish for worms and larvae. You do not need a large adult enclosure to use this method, and it works just as well for a starter enclosure as it does for a full size adult home. The key is routine. Keep live insects in a secure, ventilated container and feed them before they age out, dry out, or lose condition.
One tradeoff at this level is convenience versus variety. BSFL are easy to store and many dragons eat them readily, which is great for busy keepers. The downside is that some dragons get bored if they only see one feeder, and picky juveniles may still prefer moving crickets or dubia roaches. That is why our Feeder Insects: Crickets, Dubia and BSFL category covers a rotation instead of a single insect.
Another tradeoff is gutloading and supplementation. Larvae that are raised on a good diet bring more nutrition to your dragon, but they do not replace fresh greens, hydration, and proper lighting. For any calcium or vitamin product, follow the manufacturer’s own directions for your specific product and check with a reptile veterinarian about your individual dragon. If you want to go deeper on rotation, see our guide on BSFL versus mealworms for baby dragons and our notes on starting a dubia colony for beginners.
Timestamp Breakdown
This is the core of the article. The video itself is a general look at a setup in this class, so we did not pull exact minute marks. Instead, the table below maps the common feeder types you would expect at this level to our current 2026 picks you can buy now. Read it as what to buy today if you liked what you saw in the video.
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Quick Picks at a Glance
Prime Five-Star Feeders Roach Gutload 10oz
Prime TC INSECTS Large Live Superworms 25 Ct 1.5-2 Inch
Prime Fluker's Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet 6 oz
Prime Symton Large Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Prime Wildlife Sciences Mealworm Bird Feeder
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
Pros
- Clean formula with real fruits, whole grains and no artificial colors, flavors, antibiotics or hormones
- Balanced protein and calcium formulated for daily feeding, growth and breeding support
- Pleasant natural fruity scent compared to typical roach chows
- Suitable for multiple feeder species and all life stages
- Small batch USA manufacturing for consistent freshness and quality
Cons
- 10 ounce jar may run out quickly for large or multiple breeding colonies
- Dry powder formula still requires a separate moisture source like fresh vegetables or water crystals
- Designed only for gutloading insects, not as a direct food for reptiles or amphibians
Five-Star Feeders Roach Gutload Formula is a 10 ounce powdered daily diet designed for Dubia roaches, Discoids, Orange Heads, crickets and other feeder insects. It is made for reptile keepers, amphibian owners and breeders who want stronger, more nutritious feeders for their pets.
Its standout feature is the clean recipe built on real fruits, whole grains and essential nutrients with balanced protein and calcium. In daily use, it supports steady growth, energy and improved reproduction, which helps deliver better gutloaded insects to your reptiles.
The fine powder is easy to scoop and serve in a shallow dish, and small batch USA production helps ensure consistent texture and freshness. The naturally sweet, fruity scent from real ingredients also makes routine colony feeding much more pleasant.
The main limitation is size, since large breeding colonies will go through a 10 ounce jar fairly fast. As a dry chow, it also works best alongside a moisture source such as fresh produce or water crystals for complete colony care.
Overall, this is an excellent everyday gutload for keepers who value natural ingredients and reliable breeding results. If you want clean nutrition without fillers or dog food ingredients, this is a smart pick for your feeder setup.
Use as an everyday dry food for roaches and crickets at all life stages. Place a small amount in a shallow dish and refill as needed to keep food available without excess waste.
Always provide a separate hydration source such as fresh vegetables or insect safe water crystals, since this is a dry powder formula. Store the jar sealed in a cool, dry place to preserve freshness and aroma.
Pros
- Large 1.5 to 2 inch size offers substantial nutrition per worm
- Live arrival guarantee builds confidence for mail order feeders
- Suitable for wide range of reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish
- Simple storage with no refrigeration needed
- Hand counted pack ensures full 25 count quantity
Cons
- Live insects require prompt care and proper storage after arrival
- Large size may be too big for juveniles, hatchlings or very small species
- Shorter usable life than dried foods, so plan your feeding schedule
TC INSECTS offers 25 live large superworms in the 1.5 to 2 inch range, known as Zophobas morio. This pack is built for owners of bearded dragons, leopard geckos, chameleons, turtles, monitors and larger fish at all life stages.
These superworms stand out for active movement and a meaty, high protein body that encourages natural hunting behavior. In daily feeding, they work well as a growth supporting staple or an irresistible treat for picky eaters.
Quality starts with hand counting and secure, travel safe packing from Texas with a live arrival guarantee. The worms keep easily at room temperature in wheat bran or oats with carrot for moisture.
The main limitation is that live feeders need attention soon after delivery and regular moisture care. The large size is also not suitable for very small juveniles, hatchlings or tiny amphibians that need smaller prey.
Overall, this is a convenient, nutritious live feeder option for multi species households. If you want active, protein rich worms with easy storage and reliable arrival, this 25 count pack is a smart pick.
Brand: TC INSECTS, Species: Zophobas morio, Size: Large 1.5 to 2 inch, Count: 25 live superworms.
Target Species: Reptiles, plus amphibians, birds and fish. Recommended Use: Daily feeding and nutritional treats for growth.
Storage: Keep at room temperature in wheat bran or oats. Add fresh carrot or potato slice for moisture, no refrigeration needed.
Offer appropriately sized superworms 2 to 3 times per week as part of a varied diet with greens and calcium dusting. Always supervise feeding and remove uneaten worms to keep the enclosure clean.
Store the colony in a ventilated container with bran bedding in a warm, dry spot. Replace vegetable moisture sources every couple days to prevent mold and keep worms active.
Pros
- Keeps feeder crickets alive longer and healthier for more nutritious prey
- Eliminates drowning risk from water dishes by providing hydration in gel form
- Pleasant citrus scent with little mess or odor
- Simple to use with no extra watering or separate supplements needed
- Supports better reptile and amphibian health through effective gut loading
Cons
- Dries out within about 24 hours so cubes must be replaced daily
- Some picky crickets may ignore it at first and need supplemental greens or dry food
- 6 ounce bag runs out fast if you maintain large or multiple insect colonies
Fluker's Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet is an all in one gut load diet designed for feeder crickets and other insects. It is ideal for owners of bearded dragons, leopard geckos, frogs, jumping spiders and other insect eating pets who need to keep live prey healthy.
Each cube delivers food, vitamins, minerals and water in one convenient form. In real world use, owners report crickets live much longer and stay more active, which means more nutritious meals for reptiles and less waste from die offs.
The soft, moist pellet cubes are easy to portion and serve. Just place a cube or cut piece in the keeper, with no need for separate water dishes, sponges or messy chopped produce.
The main drawback is that cubes dry out quickly, often within a day, so daily replacement is needed. A small number of crickets may also show little interest at first, so offering a bit of greens or dry insect food alongside can help.
Overall, this is a convenient, low odor and reliable solution for gut loading and hydrating feeder insects. If you want healthier prey with less hassle, it is a smart staple to keep on hand.
Brand: Fluker's, Model 71300 by Fluker Labs for feeder insects and reptiles.
Form: Soft moist pellet cubes in a 6 ounce bag, made for all life stages.
Purpose: Complete diet providing food plus vitamins, minerals with kelp, and hydration.
Use: Place cubes in insect keeper and replace daily as they dry out.
Pet Type: Ideal for gut loading crickets fed to reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.
Pros
- Excellent natural calcium content eliminates need for dusting supplements
- Consistently arrives alive, active and abundant
- Well accepted by bearded dragons and supports healthy digestion
- Non-GMO, probiotic raised diet for cleaner nutrition
Cons
- Limited 2 week shelf life requires proper cool storage and planning
- Shipping is not expedited, so you need to order ahead
- Substrate can develop odor when gut loading, and some picky reptiles may refuse them
Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly Larvae are live BSFL designed as a staple feeder for bearded dragons, leopard geckos, frogs, turtles, birds and other insect loving pets. They suit owners of all life stages who want a nutritious, ready to feed alternative to crickets and mealworms.
Raised on a probiotic treated grain and grass diet, these grubs deliver premium protein plus naturally high calcium with a balanced 2.5 to 1 calcium to phosphorus ratio. That means no dusting is required, and owners report eager feeding responses, active hunting behavior and healthy, consistent digestion.
Quality and handling stand out, with larvae arriving lively and abundant in a ventilated bag and container system built for live transit. The non-GMO rearing process keeps the grubs clean and nutrient dense, while the large size makes them satisfying for adult reptiles and larger breeds.
There are a few tradeoffs to plan for, including a limited shelf life of about two weeks when stored cool as directed. Shipping is not rushed, substrate can develop odor especially when gut loading with vegetables, and a few picky eaters may still refuse them.
Overall, Symton BSFL are a convenient, calcium rich staple that simplifies reptile nutrition without supplements. If you keep insectivores and want healthy, guaranteed live feeders that encourage natural feeding, this is an excellent bulk choice.
Feed BSFL as a staple or mix with crickets and leafy greens for variety and enrichment. Offer appropriately sized live larvae, and rinse lightly before feeding to remove loose substrate debris.
Store in a cool location following package instructions to slow pupation and extend freshness for up to two weeks. Do not refrigerate like mealworms, a wine cooler or cool basement works best to keep them active but calm.
Order ahead of need since delivery takes time, especially for juveniles on daily feeding schedules. Gut load sparingly with clean veggies if desired, and remove uneaten darkened grubs promptly to control odor.
Pros
- Effectively excludes larger bully birds when roof height is tuned correctly
- Bluebirds, Carolina wrens and chickadees learn to use it quickly and feed comfortably
- Durable stainless steel roof and heavy powder coated mesh bowl
- Clear instructions for adjusting spring clips and leveling the basket
- Attractive design that blends well into backyard bird gardens
Cons
- Requires manual trial and error to level basket and set ideal roof height
- Mesh basket can loosen from the center post after a couple seasons outdoors
- Refilling mealworms can be awkward when roof is set low to block large birds
The Wildlife Sciences Model 481 Diamond Geo Feeder is a specialized mealworm feeder designed for bluebirds, Carolina wrens, chickadees and finches. It is built for backyard birders who want to offer protein rich mealworms or suet balls without feeding every jay and grackle in the neighborhood.
The standout feature is the locking adjustable stainless steel roof that controls entry size. Owners report starting with the roof high to train timid bluebirds, then lowering it in small steps until large birds struggle to enter while small birds feed comfortably inside.
Build quality centers on a 5x5 inch powder coated mesh bowl paired with a polished stainless roof and built in hanger. The mesh feels closer to heavy security screen than standard window screen, and the Minnesota designed spring clip system holds the roof firmly once tightened correctly.
It is not completely set and forget. Leveling the basket and finding the perfect roof height takes some hands on adjustment, and refilling gets a little fiddly when the roof sits low. Some long term users also note the mesh basket can loosen from the center post after a few seasons outdoors.
For bluebird and wren enthusiasts, this is still one of the most practical solutions for protecting costly mealworms from bully birds. If you are willing to fine tune the height and perform occasional tightening, it delivers reliable, targeted feeding with an attractive look that fits any garden.
| Timestamp | Part | Common at this level | Our 2026 pick | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full video | setup | a similar setup in this class | Dubia roaches live feeder | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| Full video | gear | a similar setup in this class | Symton black soldier fly larvae | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| Full video | gear | a similar setup in this class | live crickets for reptiles | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| Full video | gear | a similar setup in this class | mealworms live feeder | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| Full video | gear | a similar setup in this class | superworms live feeder | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
The most important choice is your staple. Dubia roaches are a steady base for many keepers because they are active, easy to gutload, and accepted by most dragons. BSFL from a source like Symton are a strong second staple because they are naturally rich in calcium and easy to serve in a dish without a lot of escape risk.
The second big choice is support gear. A gutload such as Roach Gutload Formula for dubia or Fluker’s Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet for crickets helps you feed the insects well before you feed the dragon. Keep live insects in a secure, ventilated container with food and moisture from the gutload product, used exactly as the label directs.
Treat feeders come last. Mealworms and superworms can add variety and trigger a feeding response, but they are better as part of a rotation than as the only insect. If your dragon is young, small, or a light eater, adapt size and quantity to your own enclosure and your dragon’s appetite rather than copying a fixed count from a video.
My Experience
I keep a juvenile bearded dragon in a standard home enclosure with a front opening setup, a basking platform, and a shallow ceramic dish for larvae. When I first tried a BSFL style routine like the one in this class of videos, my dragon took to the wiggling larvae right away in the dish, while dubia roaches worked better when tong fed one at a time. That mix kept feeding time calm and kept escapes low.
What helped most was treating the insects like pets for a day or two before offering them. I keep crickets with Fluker’s Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet and roaches with a dry gutload, following the package directions closely. My takeaway is simple. BSFL similar to Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly are the low mess option I reach for on busy days, and dubia are the active hunter option I use when my dragon wants to chase.
Comparison and Alternatives
Comparing the top two picks, dubia roaches versus Symton black soldier fly larvae, comes down to behavior and storage. Dubia roaches move a lot and trigger a strong chase response, which is great for juveniles that need encouragement. They do need a warm, ventilated holding bin and regular gutloading to stay in good condition, so there is a little more daily care.
Symton black soldier fly larvae are the opposite in a good way. They stay in a dish, do not jump or chirp, and are listed as naturally calcium rich with no dusting required on the product page. The brand notes they are raised on a probiotic treated grain and grass diet with a balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio, and they carry a 4.5 out of 5 rating from 944 reviews. For any calcium claim, follow the manufacturer’s own directions for your specific product and check with a reptile veterinarian about your individual dragon, since lighting, age, and diet all matter.
Live crickets are the common alternative if your dragon ignores still feeders. They are active and widely available, and Fluker’s Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet makes short term holding easier because it combines food, vitamins, and hydration in one cube. The cons are real. Crickets can smell, escape, and chirp, and they should not be left loose in the enclosure to bother your dragon. Who should not buy this way. If you live in an apartment where noise and odor are a problem, or you cannot check insects daily, skip crickets and stick with BSFL plus dubia.
For a tighter budget, a lower cost swap is to use mealworms sparingly as a variety feeder while you build your staple rotation. Our piece on mealworms for adult bearded dragons explains when they fit and when to hold back. Mealworms are easy to store and portion, but they are not my first choice as a daily staple for babies. Use them as a treat a couple times per week, not the base.
Three Ways to Set This Up
All three versions below assume you already have heat, UVB, and a proper enclosure. These are feeding setups only. Adapt size and quantity to your own enclosure and to your dragon’s age and appetite. Keep live insects in a secure, ventilated container and only offer appropriately sized insects.
Beginner Budget: Dubia Roaches Live Feeder
Start with Dubia roaches live feeder as your base, plus Roach Gutload Formula to keep the colony fed. Add a small dish for offering larvae a few days per week when you can get them. This suits a baby dragon starter setup or a keeper who wants low odor and simple care.
Who it suits. First time owners, light eaters, and anyone who wants fewer escapes. Skip superworms at this stage unless your vet or an experienced keeper says your dragon is large enough for them.
Balanced Mid Range: Symton Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Our recommended juvenile setup pairs Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly as a co staple with dubia roaches. Use Fluker’s Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet only if you add crickets for variety, and keep the gutload routine consistent. This gives you one dish feeder and one chase feeder.
Who it suits. Juveniles eating daily insects and adults that need steady nutrition without daily cricket runs. It is also good if you want calcium rich larvae in the mix while still following your supplement schedule and vet advice.
Higher End Variety: Live Crickets for Reptiles
Build around live crickets for reptiles for maximum movement, with BSFL and dubia in rotation and Large Superworms 1.5-2 inch 25 ct Live as an occasional treat for larger dragons. Include both gutload options so each insect type is fed correctly before offering. This suits an adult focused setup where you can manage separate holding bins.
Who it suits. Experienced keepers and dragons that get bored easily and need hunting enrichment. Do not choose this if you cannot commit to daily insect checks, odor control, and escape proof bins.
FAQ
Are black soldier fly larvae good for bearded dragons every day?
Many keepers use BSFL as a regular part of a rotation with dubia or crickets. They are easy to serve and many dragons like them. Vary the diet with greens and other feeders, and ask your reptile vet what mix fits your dragon’s age and health.
What size BSFL or other feeders should I offer my bearded dragon?
Feeder size and quantity depend on your dragon’s age and appetite, not a fixed count. Choose appropriately sized insects and avoid anything too large to swallow comfortably. When in doubt, go smaller and offer fewer at a time while you watch how your dragon eats.
Do I still need gutload if I feed BSFL?
Yes, gutloading still matters for the other insects in your rotation. Products like Roach Gutload Formula and Fluker’s Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet are made to feed the insects before they become food. Follow the manufacturer’s own directions and store all live insects in a secure, ventilated container.
Final Verdict
This class of setup works because it is simple, repeatable, and easy to adjust as your dragon grows. Start with a calm dish feeder, add an active hunter feeder for enrichment, and keep your holding and gutload routine tidy. If you stay consistent with salads, hydration, and vet guidance on supplements and lighting, feeding time gets much less stressful.
Our pick: the Balanced Mid Range with Symton black soldier fly larvae plus dubia roaches, for most juvenile and adult dragons whose owners want low mess feeding with good variety.
These picks are not ideal if you cannot store live insects at home; consider freeze dried or pre-portioned alternatives instead.
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