Crickets are common insects often kept as pets or feeder insects. Understanding their dietary needs is important for their well-being. This article covers what crickets eat in the wild, how to feed them in captivity, and foods to avoid.
What Crickets Eat in the Wild
In the wild, crickets are omnivores, eating both plant and animal matter. They consume various organic materials, aiding nutrient recycling.
Crickets primarily feed on plant material like leaves, grasses, flowers, and seeds, as well as decaying plant matter. Their diet also includes fungi, algae, and small insects or larvae. Wild cricket diets vary by species and habitat, with some consuming more animal matter when plants are scarce.
Providing Food for Crickets in Captivity
Providing a balanced diet in captivity is important for cricket health and their nutritional value as feeder insects. Commercial cricket chows offer a convenient, nutritionally complete base diet, formulated with proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Fresh produce is an excellent supplemental food source, offering nutrients and hydration. Suitable vegetables include leafy greens (collard, romaine, kale, mustard), carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash. Fruits like apples, oranges, and bananas can be given in moderation due to sugar content. Always wash produce thoroughly to remove pesticide residues.
Crickets also benefit from protein sources, especially young hatchlings needing rapid growth. Options include fish flakes, high-quality dry pet food (crushed kibble), or chicken feed. These dry foods, along with grains like oats, wheat germ, or rice cereal, can be provided consistently.
Water is essential, but crickets can drown in open dishes. Safe hydration methods include water gel crystals or shallow dishes with moist cotton balls or pebbles. High-water-content fruits and vegetables also contribute to hydration. Food and water should be checked and replenished every one to two days.
Gut loading involves feeding crickets highly nutritious foods 24-48 hours before they are fed to another animal. This process boosts their nutritional content, transferring beneficial nutrients to the consuming pet. Examples include dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and specialized commercial formulas.
Foods Crickets Should Not Eat
Certain foods are harmful or toxic to crickets and should be avoided. Moldy or spoiled food introduces harmful bacteria and fungi. Foods excessively high in sugar or fat, like candy or processed human foods, offer poor nutritional value and can cause health issues.
Avocado is toxic to crickets. Pesticide-treated food is dangerous, as crickets accumulate chemicals that can pass to consuming animals. Large quantities of citrus fruits can cause digestive upset. Iceberg lettuce has minimal nutritional value and high water content, leading to watery droppings.