Superworms are one of the most versatile and popular feeder insects in the pet world. Their high activity, meaty bodies, and nutritional benefits make them irresistible to a wide range of animals. From reptiles to birds — and even some surprising creatures — superworms are a prized meal.
Here’s a closer look at the animals that love to munch on superworms. Spoiler alert: one of them might be closer to you than you think!
1. Reptiles 🧘️
Reptiles are some of the biggest fans of superworms. Their constant wriggling movement triggers the natural hunting instincts of reptiles, making mealtime both exciting and enriching. Here are some popular reptiles that love superworms:
Bearded Dragons — Active hunters that love a moving target. Superworms provide energy-dense nutrition to support their active lifestyle.
Leopard Geckos — These nocturnal hunters are naturally drawn to superworms as a live prey option.
Chameleons — The high movement of superworms makes them irresistible to chameleons, especially since chameleons rely on visual tracking for hunting.
Water Dragons — Superworms are an engaging option for these semi-aquatic lizards, as the movement mimics natural prey.
Skinks — Blue-tongued skinks and other skink species love superworms for their high fat content, which can be a helpful energy source.
Why Reptiles Love Them: The movement of superworms activates hunting instincts, making them much more engaging than still prey like dried mealworms or pellets.
2. Amphibians 🐸
Many amphibians, like frogs and salamanders, rely on movement to identify prey. Since superworms are constantly on the move, they make an ideal feeder insect. Here are a few amphibians that enjoy them:
Pacman Frogs — Voracious eaters that love to ambush and devour superworms in one gulp.
Dart Frogs — While they typically eat smaller insects, larger dart frogs can handle smaller-sized superworms.
Axolotls — These aquatic amphibians might not chase superworms like frogs, but they’ll snatch them up when they come close.
Tiger Salamanders — Known for their hearty appetite, tiger salamanders will quickly gobble up any superworm within reach.
Why Amphibians Love Them: Movement, movement, movement! Amphibians rely on their hunting instincts, and a lively superworm is hard to ignore.
3. Birds 🐦
Wild and domesticated birds are also big fans of superworms, thanks to their high fat and protein content. Here are some examples of bird species that love superworms:
Chickens — Backyard chickens love the wiggling, high-protein snack that superworms provide. Chickens will chase, peck, and scratch at the ground to get to them.
Parrots — Larger parrots (like African greys) love the mental stimulation of hunting and eating superworms as a treat.
Finches & Canaries — Though they primarily eat seeds, live insects like superworms offer a protein boost during breeding seasons.
Wild Birds — Insect-eating wild birds, like robins and bluebirds, will happily feast on superworms if offered as part of a bird feeder setup.
Why Birds Love Them: Birds, especially omnivorous and insectivorous species, naturally eat live insects in the wild. Superworms are a nutritious treat, especially during breeding and chick-rearing seasons.
4. Small Mammals 🐁
While it may seem surprising, small mammals are also known to eat superworms. This includes both wild animals and exotic pets. Some examples include:
Hedgehogs — Hedgehogs are insectivores by nature, and superworms are one of their favorite snacks. They help mimic the hedgehog’s natural diet.
Sugar Gliders — Sugar gliders eat a variety of fruits, nectar, and insects in the wild. Superworms provide them with a natural protein source that aligns with their diet.
Mice & Rats — Feeder rats and mice may be offered superworms for enrichment or as part of a high-protein diet.
Possums — Wild possums will not hesitate to eat superworms if they come across them.
Why Small Mammals Love Them: For insectivores and omnivores, superworms mimic the natural diet they’d find in the wild. They're a source of protein, fat, and interactive enrichment.
5. Fish 🐠
Yes, even fish enjoy a good superworm snack! While most fish are fed pellets or flakes, certain species of freshwater and predatory fish enjoy the thrill of hunting live prey.
Oscars — Known as voracious eaters, Oscars will happily devour superworms in one bite.
Arowanas — These large, surface-feeding fish will snap up a superworm as soon as it hits the water.
Betta Fish — Bettas usually eat smaller insects, but young superworms or worm pieces can be a suitable protein boost.
Catfish — Bottom-feeding catfish will eat superworms if they sink to the substrate, making for a satisfying meal.
Why Fish Love Them: For predatory fish, the movement of superworms in the water stimulates their predatory instincts. It’s a far cry from lifeless pellets.
6. Exotic Pets 🧔️
There are other exotic pets that don’t fit neatly into the categories above but still adore superworms:
Scorpions — Scorpions hunt using vibrations and movement. Superworms make for an enticing target.
Tarantulas — Unlike crickets that may harass a tarantula, superworms are a passive prey option that still moves enough to attract attention.
Centipedes — These predatory arthropods will gladly capture and eat superworms.
Praying Mantises — Superworms are an option for larger mantis species, though they may be harder for smaller mantises to catch.
Why Exotic Pets Love Them: Movement-based feeding is essential for scorpions, tarantulas, and mantises. Superworms stay active for longer, giving these creatures more hunting opportunities.
7. People (Yes, Seriously!) 🍽️
Wait, do people eat superworms? Yep, they do! Superworms are often used in the world of edible insects. They are rich in protein and fat, and some people even claim they have a nutty, crunchy taste when fried.
Here’s how people might eat them:
Fried — Fried and seasoned, they have a crunchy, nutty flavor.
Covered in Chocolate — In some novelty snacks, superworms are coated in chocolate for an extra crunch.
Protein Powders — Superworm powder is sometimes used in protein bars, snacks, and edible insect products.
Why People Eat Them: They are high in protein, low in environmental impact, and part of the growing trend toward sustainable, eco-friendly food options.
Superworms aren’t just for reptiles anymore. From pets to people, superworms offer high protein, movement-driven feeding, and sustainability. Try them for your pets — or yourself — and see why so many creatures love superworms.
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