Can Leopard Geckos Eat Locusts? Safety, Prep & Frequency

Yes, leopard geckos can safely eat captive-bred locusts as part of a varied insect diet. Choose appropriately sized prey, gut-load it, add the correct supplements, and remove uneaten insects.

How to Prepare

1. Buy live locusts from a reputable feeder-insect supplier; never collect wild locusts because they may carry pesticides, parasites, or other contaminants.
2. Select a locust no larger than the gecko's head, then gut-load it with a formulated insect diet and suitable vegetables for 24–48 hours before feeding.
3. Immediately before serving, lightly dust the locust with calcium or the supplement recommended for the gecko's age, UVB provision, and current feeding schedule; offer it with tongs or in a feeding container.

Warnings

• Locusts should be one component of a varied rotation rather than the gecko's only feeder. Alternate them with suitable insects such as crickets, calciworms, roaches, or silkworms.
• Do not offer oversized prey. A locust larger than the gecko's head may be difficult to swallow and can increase the risk of choking, regurgitation, or digestive trouble.
• Remove uneaten locusts after the feeding session because live insects may stress or bite a resting gecko.
• Avoid excessive supplement powder. Calcium and vitamins are important, but dosing depends on diet, age, health, and UVB exposure; follow product directions and advice from a reptile veterinarian.
• Reduced appetite, repeated regurgitation, weakness, swelling, or difficulty striking at prey warrants assessment by an experienced reptile veterinarian.

Nutrition Facts

FAQ

Can baby leopard geckos eat locusts?

Yes. Offer only small locusts that are no larger than the juvenile gecko's head. Juveniles eat more frequently than adults, but every feeder should still be gut-loaded, appropriately supplemented, and included within a varied diet. See the complete guidance on the /leopard-gecko-care page.

Can locusts be a leopard gecko's staple food?

Locusts can appear regularly in the feeding rotation, but relying on one insect exclusively can create nutritional gaps. Rotate several suitable feeders and adjust portions to body condition, age, and activity. The /leopard-gecko-diet guide explains how to build a balanced feeding schedule.

Should locusts be fed live or dried?

Live, gut-loaded locusts are preferable because leopard geckos naturally respond to moving prey and receive moisture from live insects. Dried locusts lack movement, contain less moisture, and may be refused. Never leave live prey loose in the enclosure after feeding.

Do leopard geckos need fruit with locusts?

No. Leopard geckos are primarily insectivorous, so fruit does not balance a locust meal and generally should not be offered as routine food. Consult /leopard-gecko-fruits for the risks and species-appropriate alternatives.

How many locusts should a leopard gecko eat?

There is no universal number because locust size and each gecko's age, weight, and body condition differ. Offer a controlled meal of correctly sized prey, monitor weight and tail condition, and reduce portions if uneaten insects remain or the gecko gains excessive weight.

More Leopard Geckos Foods

• Can leopard geckos eat mealworms?
• Can leopard geckos eat crickets?
• Can leopard geckos eat fruit?
• Can leopard geckos eat vegetables?

Sources

• RSPCA leopard gecko care and feeding guidance
• VCA Animal Hospitals: Leopard Geckos—Care and Feeding