Can Leopard Geckos Eat Earwigs? What You Need to Know

Leopard geckos are fascinating reptiles known for their diverse diet, but can leopard geckos eat earwigs? The answer is yes, leopard geckos can eat earwigs, but there are important considerations to keep in mind regarding safety, nutrition, and potential risks.

Are Earwigs Safe for Leopard Geckos?

While earwigs are not toxic to leopard geckos, feeding them these insects comes with some risks:

Pincers (Cerci): Earwigs have small pincers at the end of their bodies. Although harmless to humans, these pincers could potentially cause minor irritation if the earwig defends itself.
Potential Pesticide Exposure: Wild-caught earwigs might have been exposed to pesticides, herbicides, or other harmful chemicals, posing a risk to your gecko’s health.
Parasites and Bacteria: Insects from the wild can carry parasites or harmful bacteria that may lead to infections.

Nutritional Value of Earwigs

Earwigs provide moderate protein content but lack the balanced nutrition found in feeder insects like crickets, mealworms, or dubia roaches. They don’t offer the ideal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio required for a healthy gecko diet.

Nutritional Pros:

High in protein
Natural prey for some reptiles in the wild

Nutritional Cons:

Low in calcium
Risk of carrying parasites
Not as nutrient-dense as feeder insects

How to Feed Earwigs to Your Leopard Gecko (If You Choose To)

If you still decide to offer earwigs occasionally:

Source Responsibly: Only feed earwigs from pesticide-free areas, or better yet, captive-bred ones.
Remove the Pincers: Consider removing the pincers to reduce the risk of injury.
Gut-Load: Feed the earwigs nutritious food 24 hours before offering them to your gecko to improve their nutritional value.
Dust with Supplements: Lightly dust the earwigs with calcium powder to enhance their nutritional profile.

Better Alternatives to Earwigs

For a balanced diet, consider these feeder insects instead:

Crickets: High in protein and easy to gut-load.
Dubia Roaches: Nutrient-rich and low in fat.
Mealworms and Superworms: Good occasional treats.
Silkworms and Hornworms: Great for hydration and nutrients.

Risks of Feeding Wild-Caught Insects

Chemical Exposure: Pesticides can be fatal to reptiles.
Parasites: Wild insects can carry harmful parasites.
Toxicity: Some insects may be toxic, especially brightly colored or foul-smelling species.

Final Verdict: Should You Feed Earwigs to Your Leopard Gecko?

While leopard geckos can eat earwigs, it’s generally not recommended to make them a regular part of their diet. Occasional feeding from a safe, pesticide-free source may be acceptable, but it’s better to stick with trusted feeder insects designed for reptile consumption.

For the health and longevity of your gecko, prioritize a varied diet with high-quality, nutrient-dense insects.