Crickets are common insects found globally, inhabiting diverse environments. As omnivores, their varied diet is fundamental to their survival and plays a significant role within their ecosystems. This dietary flexibility allows them to thrive in many habitats.
Cricket Diets in the Wild
In their natural environments, crickets function as opportunistic omnivores, consuming a wide array of organic materials. They primarily feed on plant matter, including leaves, grasses, flowers, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. They also consume decaying plant material and organic debris. This scavenging behavior highlights their role in breaking down dead organic matter and recycling nutrients within ecosystems.
Crickets also incorporate animal matter into their diet, such as small insects like aphids and larvae. They feed on dead insects and decaying animal carcasses, acting as scavengers and decomposers. Fungi can also form a part of their natural diet.
What to Feed Pet or Feeder Crickets
Maintaining pet or feeder crickets requires providing a balanced diet to ensure their health and to transfer beneficial nutrients to any animals that consume them. Crickets benefit from a mix of fresh produce, grains, and protein sources.
Fresh Produce
Suitable vegetables include leafy greens like collard greens, mustard greens, and romaine lettuce, along with carrots, squash, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Fruits such as apples, bananas, and oranges can also be offered, though oranges should be given in moderation due to their sugar content.
Dry Food and Protein
For dry food options, commercial cricket chow or specialized pellets provide a convenient and balanced diet. Grains like rolled oats, wheat germ, rice cereal, or cornmeal are also appropriate. To supply protein, especially for feeder crickets, small amounts of dry pet food, such as cat or dog kibble, or fish flakes can be used. Protein is important for producing healthy crickets, but excessive amounts can lead to aggression.
Hydration
Hydration is important for captive crickets; direct water sources can lead to drowning. Safe methods include water gels or crystals, which provide moisture without open water. Moist cotton balls or shallow dishes with sponges can also offer a safe way for crickets to drink. Fresh fruits and vegetables, like carrots or apples, also contribute to their water intake.
Gut Loading
“Gut loading” is a practice where feeder crickets are fed highly nutritious foods shortly before being offered to another animal, enriching the nutritional value passed to the predator. Effective gut-loading foods include dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, carrots, and commercial gut-loading formulas. This process ensures the crickets are packed with vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, which is particularly beneficial for reptiles.
Foods to Avoid
Certain items should be avoided when feeding crickets. These include avocado pits and skin, citrus peels, and any plants treated with pesticides. Moldy food should also be removed, as it can be harmful to crickets and indicates spoilage. Foods with strong artificial chemicals or preservatives are not suitable.