I N C E P T I O N A I

Live Feeder Insects USA 2025: Top 9 Size-Graded, Health-Guaranteed Options for Reptiles, Amphibians, Birds & Fish | What to Choose, When, and Why

Live feeder insects including crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches and specialty feeders are essential staples for reptile, amphibian, bird and aquarium hobbyists across the USA. This category focuses on quality-sourced, size-graded and health-guaranteed insects that arrive ready for immediate feeding and enrichment. American consumers increasingly prioritize reliable nutrition profiles, consistent sizing to reduce feeding risks, transparent breeding and gut-loading practices, and vendors who provide clear shipping windows for colder states. Whether you need everyday protein feeders, vitamin-boosted options for growing juveniles, or specialty insects for behavioral enrichment, these live feeders are chosen for their nutrition, survivability in transit, and suitability for specific species and life stages.

Top Picks Summary

  1. Josh's Frogs Live Banded Crickets
  2. Rainbow Mealworms Live Regular Mealworms
  3. The Bug Depot Live Dubia Roaches
  4. Rainbow Mealworms Live Waxworms
  5. Josh's Frogs Live Superworms
  6. Josh's Frogs Live Black Soldier Fly Larvae
  7. The Silkworm Store Live Silkworms Medium
  8. Mulberry Farms Live Hornworms
  9. CalciWorms Live BSFL Feeders
1
BEST LIVE CRICKETS FEEDER INSECTS

Josh's Frogs Live Banded Crickets

Josh's Frogs
🏠 Local Product

Josh's Frogs Live Banded Crickets rank as best-in-class for live crickets used as feeder insects because of consistent breeding practices, tight quality control and a focus on conditioning that reduces mortality on arrival. For reptile keepers prioritizing nutrition and reliability over lowest unit cost, they offer a technical advantage in survivability and acclimation compared with mass-market or bulk suppliers in this list.

4.4
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  • Striped charm

  • Protein-packed

  • Striped charm

  • Protein-packed

Review Summary

88%

"Buyers generally praise Josh's Frogs for consistently healthy, well-packaged banded crickets with high survival rates and good size, though they note the price is higher than discount options. Overall customers appreciate the reliability for long-term feeders."

  • Energetic performers

  • Banded Acheta strains known for vigor and nutrition.

  • Energetic performers

  • Banded Acheta strains known for vigor and nutrition.

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

Josh's Frogs Live Banded Crickets rank as best-in-class for live crickets used as feeder insects because of consistent breeding practices, tight quality control and a focus on conditioning that reduces mortality on arrival. For reptile keepers prioritizing nutrition and reliability over lowest unit cost, they offer a technical advantage in survivability and acclimation compared with mass-market or bulk suppliers in this list.

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$10-60 USD

2
BEST LIVE MEALWORMS FEEDER INSECTS

Rainbow Mealworms Live Regular Mealworms

Rainbow Mealworms
🏠 Local Product

Rainbow Mealworms Live Regular Mealworms stands out as the value leader for high-volume feeders and breeders, offering larger counts and aggressive pricing that lower cost-per-feeder for aviaries, poultry, and commercial reptile operations. It trades some boutique-level handling and enrichment available from brands like Josh's Frogs or Exotic Nutrition for scalable production and affordability, making it the go-to when keeping feeding budgets under control.

4.5
Show More Live Mealworms Feeder Insects
  • Colorful crunchers

  • High-count stash

  • Colorful crunchers

  • High-count stash

Review Summary

90%

"Customers find Rainbow Mealworms to be a good-value option with solid live arrival rates and healthy worms for feeders, though some reviews note increased mortality in very hot or delayed shipments. Many buyers appreciate the price and quantity for routine feeding needs."

  • Kid-pleasing wiggle

  • Farm-raised regular mealworms marketed for feeder use with attention to freshness.

  • Kid-pleasing wiggle

  • Farm-raised regular mealworms marketed for feeder use with attention to freshness.

Recreational Enjoyment

Rainbow Mealworms Live Regular Mealworms stands out as the value leader for high-volume feeders and breeders, offering larger counts and aggressive pricing that lower cost-per-feeder for aviaries, poultry, and commercial reptile operations. It trades some boutique-level handling and enrichment available from brands like Josh's Frogs or Exotic Nutrition for scalable production and affordability, making it the go-to when keeping feeding budgets under control.

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$12-55 USD

3
BEST LIVE DUBIA ROACHES FEEDER INSECTS

The Bug Depot Live Dubia Roaches

The Bug Depot Live Dubia Roaches
🏠 Local Product

The Bug Depot is a best-in-class supplier for Live Dubia Roaches Feeder Insects thanks to its large-scale breeding operation, consistent live counts and competitive U.S. pricing that reduce per-roach costs for bulk buyers. Compared with the American vendors on this list, The Bug Depot often offers faster domestic fulfillment and lower shipping for U.S. customers, making it a financially attractive option for high-volume keepers and retailers.

4.6
Show More Live Dubia Roaches Feeder Insects
  • Large meaty feeders

  • Fast-shipping hustle

  • Large meaty feeders

  • Fast-shipping hustle

Review Summary

92%

"Customers generally praise The Bug Depot for consistently healthy, well-sized dubia roaches and reliable packaging that arrives alive; a few buyers mention occasional size variance or slower delivery to remote areas. Overall reviewers highlight consistent quality and good customer service for repeat orders."

  • Low-odor colony

  • Available in small starter to medium colony sizes ideal for beginners setting up a feeder colony.

  • Low-odor colony

  • Available in small starter to medium colony sizes ideal for beginners setting up a feeder colony.

Time-Saving Convenience

Skill Development & Mastery

The Bug Depot is a best-in-class supplier for Live Dubia Roaches Feeder Insects thanks to its large-scale breeding operation, consistent live counts and competitive U.S. pricing that reduce per-roach costs for bulk buyers. Compared with the American vendors on this list, The Bug Depot often offers faster domestic fulfillment and lower shipping for U.S. customers, making it a financially attractive option for high-volume keepers and retailers.

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$20-100 USD

4
BEST LIVE WAXWORMS FEEDER INSECTS

Rainbow Mealworms Live Waxworms

Rainbow Mealworms Live Waxworms
🏠 Local Product

Rainbow Mealworms stands out as a market leader for value and variety, offering competitive per-worm pricing and frequent bulk discounts that appeal to breeders and high-volume feeders. While it may not match Josh's Frogs for transit-focused packaging, Rainbow Mealworms delivers a cost-effective option compared with premium and wholesale suppliers here, balancing price and reasonable quality for everyday feeding needs.

4.1
Show More Live Waxworms Feeder Insects
  • Colorful variety

  • Soft-bodied treat

  • Colorful variety

  • Soft-bodied treat

Review Summary

82%

"Buyers report generally healthy, well-packed waxworms at a reasonable price, though some customers experience occasional mortality during transit or inconsistent sizing. Most repeat purchasers are satisfied but expect some variability with long shipments."

  • Picky-eater winner

  • Offered in several size/quantity options to fit single-pet or multi-pet needs.

  • Picky-eater winner

  • Offered in several size/quantity options to fit single-pet or multi-pet needs.

Recreational Enjoyment

Time-Saving Convenience

Rainbow Mealworms stands out as a market leader for value and variety, offering competitive per-worm pricing and frequent bulk discounts that appeal to breeders and high-volume feeders. While it may not match Josh's Frogs for transit-focused packaging, Rainbow Mealworms delivers a cost-effective option compared with premium and wholesale suppliers here, balancing price and reasonable quality for everyday feeding needs.

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$12-30 USD

5
BEST LIVE SUPERWORMS FEEDER INSECTS

Josh's Frogs Live Superworms

Animal Specialties
🏠 Local Product

Josh's Frogs positions itself as the premium choice for live superworms, offering strict quality control, padded shipping and a live-arrival guarantee that boosts survival for sensitive amphibians and small reptiles. It edges out mass-market competitors by delivering curated nutrition and husbandry guidance, trading a slightly higher price for better live counts and lower mortality compared with lower-cost bulk suppliers.

4.6
Show More Live Superworms Feeder Insects
  • High-protein punch

  • Arrives lively

  • High-protein punch

  • Arrives lively

Review Summary

90%

"Customers consistently report Josh's Frogs superworms arrive active and healthy with reliable packaging and low mortality; a few buyers note occasional size variation between batches."

  • Premium feeder taste

  • Marketed by a specialty reptile supplier with reputation for live feeder quality.

  • Premium feeder taste

  • Marketed by a specialty reptile supplier with reputation for live feeder quality.

Recreational Enjoyment

Time-Saving Convenience

Josh's Frogs positions itself as the premium choice for live superworms, offering strict quality control, padded shipping and a live-arrival guarantee that boosts survival for sensitive amphibians and small reptiles. It edges out mass-market competitors by delivering curated nutrition and husbandry guidance, trading a slightly higher price for better live counts and lower mortality compared with lower-cost bulk suppliers.

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$10-45 USD

6
BEST LIVE BLACK SOLDIER FLY LARVAE FEEDER INSECTS

Josh's Frogs Live Black Soldier Fly Larvae

Josh's Frogs Live Black Soldier Fly Larvae
🏠 Local Product

Josh's Frogs leverages its reptile-specialist heritage to deliver live BSFL with excellent customer support, targeted advice, and reptile-safe handling guidelines that reduce waste and improve uptake. While not as cheap as bulk suppliers, its value comes from lower mortality rates in transit and knowledgeable after-sales support, making it the go-to for new keepers and specialty collections who prioritize success over lowest price.

4.6
Show More Live Black Soldier Fly Larvae Feeder Insects
  • Trusted reptile-grade

  • Fast shipping zest

  • Trusted reptile-grade

  • Fast shipping zest

Review Summary

90%

"Josh's Frogs is praised for fast shipping, strong survival rates, and reliable quality, with many repeat customers citing excellent overall experience; a minority mention some variability between batches. It's considered a premium, trustworthy source for live BSFL."

  • Ready-to-serve

  • Established reptile supplier with experience shipping live feeder insects

  • Ready-to-serve

  • Established reptile supplier with experience shipping live feeder insects

Recreational Enjoyment

Time-Saving Convenience

Josh's Frogs leverages its reptile-specialist heritage to deliver live BSFL with excellent customer support, targeted advice, and reptile-safe handling guidelines that reduce waste and improve uptake. While not as cheap as bulk suppliers, its value comes from lower mortality rates in transit and knowledgeable after-sales support, making it the go-to for new keepers and specialty collections who prioritize success over lowest price.

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$15-45 USD

7
BEST LIVE SILKWORMS FEEDER INSECTS

The Silkworm Store Live Silkworms Medium

The Silkworm Store Live Silkworms Medium
🏠 Local Product

The Silkworm Store earns a best-in-class spot for consistently delivering medium-size, well-graded larvae with low mortality and standardized packaging that makes feeding schedules predictable for insectivores; its technical advantage is tight size sorting and a reliable supply chain that reduces waste. Compared with the other vendors on this list it strikes a strong balance between quality and price—more premium than some budget options but more predictable and ready-to-feed than bulk-focused sellers, which can reduce keeper costs over time by lowering losses and labor.

4.7
Show More Live Silkworms Feeder Insects
  • Consistent medium size

  • Easy to handle

  • Consistent medium size

  • Easy to handle

Review Summary

93%

"Buyers generally praise The Silkworm Store for consistently healthy, well-sized medium silkworms and secure packaging that survives transit; occasional reports mention a small number of dead arrivals after long shipping. Overall users feel they get reliable feeders for reptiles and birds with good value."

  • Silky surprise inside

  • Medium-sized silkworms ideal for juvenile reptiles, birds and amphibians.

  • Silky surprise inside

  • Medium-sized silkworms ideal for juvenile reptiles, birds and amphibians.

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

The Silkworm Store earns a best-in-class spot for consistently delivering medium-size, well-graded larvae with low mortality and standardized packaging that makes feeding schedules predictable for insectivores; its technical advantage is tight size sorting and a reliable supply chain that reduces waste. Compared with the other vendors on this list it strikes a strong balance between quality and price—more premium than some budget options but more predictable and ready-to-feed than bulk-focused sellers, which can reduce keeper costs over time by lowering losses and labor.

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$12-25 USD

8
BEST LIVE HORNWORMS FEEDER INSECTS

Mulberry Farms Live Hornworms

Mulberry Farms Live Hornworms
🏠 Local Product

Mulberry Farms is widely regarded as a market leader for Live Hornworms due to its large-scale, consistent production and reliable shipping systems that minimize transit mortality. For keepers seeking bulk orders and predictable sizing, Mulberry Farms often delivers better per-worm pricing and steady availability compared with smaller, boutique suppliers on this list. Its scale-driven efficiency gives it a financial advantage for high-volume feeders while still providing the freshness and nutrient profile needed for reptile and amphibian diets.

4.7
Show More Live Hornworms Feeder Insects
  • Mulberry-fed sweetness

  • High moisture snack

  • Mulberry-fed sweetness

  • High moisture snack

Review Summary

94%

"Buyers consistently praise Mulberry Farms for large, healthy hornworms and reliable, fast shipping; the main complaints are occasional mortality on long transit. Overall seen as a premium, dependable source for recurring orders."

  • Giant wriggle show

  • Fresh, high‑moisture hornworms bred for use as nutritious feeder insects.

  • Giant wriggle show

  • Fresh, high‑moisture hornworms bred for use as nutritious feeder insects.

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

Mulberry Farms is widely regarded as a market leader for Live Hornworms due to its large-scale, consistent production and reliable shipping systems that minimize transit mortality. For keepers seeking bulk orders and predictable sizing, Mulberry Farms often delivers better per-worm pricing and steady availability compared with smaller, boutique suppliers on this list. Its scale-driven efficiency gives it a financial advantage for high-volume feeders while still providing the freshness and nutrient profile needed for reptile and amphibian diets.

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$30-80 USD

9
BEST LIVE PHOENIX WORMS FEEDER INSECTS

CalciWorms Live BSFL Feeders

CalciWorms
🏠 Local Product

CalciWorms Live BSFL Feeders differentiate by offering calcium-enriched or pre-dusted larvae that reduce the need for additional supplementing, a technical benefit that can improve skeletal health with less keeper effort. Although often priced above raw BSFL commodities like Symton or ReptiWorms, CalciWorms can deliver better long-term value for animals requiring frequent calcium supplementation and competes directly with NutriGrubs on mineral benefits while saving the cost and labor of extra dusting.

4.6
Show More Live Phoenix Worms Feeder Insects
  • Extra calcium

  • Vitamin-dense snack

  • Extra calcium

  • Vitamin-dense snack

Review Summary

92%

"CalciWorms live BSFL are popular for being calcium-enriched and arriving vigorous; customers frequently highlight improved feeder nutrition and good packaging, with few complaints beyond occasional shipping delays. Overall they are seen as a premium, reliable option for calcium-boosted feeders."

  • Reptile fave

  • Larvae marketed or reared to provide higher calcium ratios for feeders

  • Reptile fave

  • Larvae marketed or reared to provide higher calcium ratios for feeders

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

CalciWorms Live BSFL Feeders differentiate by offering calcium-enriched or pre-dusted larvae that reduce the need for additional supplementing, a technical benefit that can improve skeletal health with less keeper effort. Although often priced above raw BSFL commodities like Symton or ReptiWorms, CalciWorms can deliver better long-term value for animals requiring frequent calcium supplementation and competes directly with NutriGrubs on mineral benefits while saving the cost and labor of extra dusting.

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$25-60 USD

What Research and Veterinary Guidance Say About Live Feeders

Scientific research and veterinary husbandry guidelines support several core practices that improve the safety and nutritional value of live feeder insects. Evidence highlights how gut-loading, proper supplementation, size grading and species-appropriate selection reduce health risks and improve growth, bone development and natural behavior. Below are beginner-friendly takeaways based on peer-reviewed studies, university extension publications and zoo/veterinary nutrition guidance.

Gut-loading improves nutrient delivery: Multiple controlled studies show that feeding nutrient-rich diets to feeder insects prior to offering them increases vitamins and minerals available to the predator, especially fat-soluble vitamins and B vitamins.

Calcium to phosphorus balance matters: Veterinary nutrition guidance recommends attention to calcium:phosphorus ratios for insect-fed reptiles, with supplementation when necessary to protect bone growth and prevent metabolic bone disease.

Size grading reduces impaction and choking risk: Husbandry protocols and veterinary recommendations emphasize offering prey no larger than the widest part of the animal's head to minimize impaction and ingestion injuries.

Live feeders support natural feeding behavior and enrichment: Behavioral research and zookeeping reports find that live prey can reduce stereotypies, encourage hunting skills and improve activity levels compared with pre-killed diets.

Species selection affects pathogen and nutrient profiles: Comparative studies and industry surveys indicate that certain feeders, such as dubia roaches, often show lower shipping mortality and more stable gut flora under recommended husbandry than some high-mortality crickets, though proper handling and vendor health guarantees remain essential.

Temperature and transit protocols influence survival and welfare: Research on shipping live insects demonstrates that controlled packaging, insulated carriers and temperature-appropriate transit windows significantly improve arrival health in colder American regions.

This collection of live feeder insects for United States in 2025 highlights size grading, health guarantees and feeding-ready options to help you feed and enrich reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish with confidence. We hope you found the insect types and buying considerations you needed. If you want to narrow results by species, size grade, or shipping region, use the search or filters to refine or expand your options.