Crickets vs. Locusts: Which Is the Best Feeder Insect for Your Reptile? (A Nutritional Showdown)

When it comes to feeding insectivorous reptiles, the humble feeder insect carries more responsibility than it gets credit for. Beneath the hopping legs and general chaos lies a fairly important question: which option actually provides better nutrition?

Crickets and locusts are two of the most commonly used live feeders, and while they may look like interchangeable jumping snacks, their nutritional profiles tell a more interesting story—particularly when you focus on protein and fat content.

From a scientific standpoint, both insects are considered high-protein, low-fat feeders, but there are subtle differences worth paying attention to.

Crickets (typically Acheta domesticus) contain approximately 17–21% protein and around 5–6% fat on a fresh weight basis. On a dry matter basis, their protein content rises significantly, often exceeding 60%. This makes them an efficient protein source for growing reptiles, supporting muscle development, tissue repair, and overall metabolic function.

Locusts (commonly Locusta migratoria or Schistocerca gregaria) tend to offer a very similar protein range, typically around 18–22% on a fresh weight basis. However, they often contain slightly lower fat levels, usually closer to 3–5%.

At first glance, the difference may seem minor—and in many cases, it is—but over time, these small variations can influence dietary balance, especially for reptiles prone to obesity or those requiring stricter energy control.

From a purely protein-focused perspective, the two are essentially neck and neck. Both provide high-quality protein with a favourable amino acid profile, making them suitable staples in most insect-based reptile diets.

The distinction becomes more relevant when fat is considered.

Crickets, with their slightly higher fat content, provide a marginally more energy-dense food source. This can be beneficial for underweight animals, juveniles in rapid growth phases, or reptiles recovering from illness. However, for sedentary species or individuals kept in captivity with limited activity, excess fat intake over time may contribute to unwanted weight gain.

Locusts, being leaner, offer a cleaner protein source with less caloric density. This makes them particularly useful for maintaining healthy body condition in adult reptiles, especially species that are prone to storing fat.

There are also secondary nutritional considerations. Both insects have relatively poor calcium-to-phosphorus ratios, meaning they require supplementation regardless of which you choose. However, locusts often have a slightly higher moisture content, which can contribute to hydration—an understated but valuable benefit.

Digestibility is another subtle factor. Locusts tend to have a softer exoskeleton compared to adult crickets, which may make them easier to digest for some reptiles, particularly younger or more delicate species. Crickets, while still widely digestible, can sometimes pose minor challenges if fed in large sizes or quantities without proper gut loading.

So, which is better?

From a strictly scientific perspective focused on protein and fat, neither insect is universally superior. Crickets provide slightly more fat and energy, making them useful in growth and recovery scenarios. Locusts offer a leaner nutritional profile, better suited for maintenance and weight control.

In practice, the best approach is not choosing one over the other but using both strategically. A varied diet that incorporates multiple feeder insects more closely mimics natural feeding patterns and helps prevent nutritional imbalances.

Ultimately, the question isn’t “crickets or locusts?”—it’s how to use each one effectively.

Because in reptile nutrition, balance matters far more than brand loyalty… even if your pet seems to have a strong opinion about what hops into its bowl, or, in some cases, out the viv, across the floor and up the wall.

For some tips and tricks check out our YouTube channel we have some fun videos with our animals and herptile care!