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All feeder insects have their pros and cons, and that goes for more than just nutrition. They all require different food, different substrates, and different habitats. And they all have different lifespans and rates of reproduction. This all equates to different cost to you, the pet owner. So when it comes to superworms and dubias, which is the best choice for the cost-conscious reptile owner?
In this article, we’ll talk about all the factors that influence the cost of two of the most popular feeder insects, so you can make a wise choice. Let’s dive in.
Comparing Superworms and Dubias
Dubia roaches and superworms are very different nutritionally, but they’re both prime options for staple feeder insects. You can think of them as doing two different jobs. Dubia roaches are a classic “lean protein” feeder, with a low fat content and high protein. Superworms have a pretty high protein content, but are much higher in fat. This makes them a perfect “snack” feeder for reptiles that rely on different kinds of insect protein to get all the nutrition they need, like leopard geckos.
Dubia roaches also differ in that they have a much higher calcium to phosphorus ratio at 2:3. In either case, you should still be dusting your feeders to get them to the ideal 2:1 calcium to phosphorus ratio. They’re both low in fiber, which is good, but dubia roaches are slightly lower.
These are the nitty gritty details on superworm and dubia nutrition:
Superworm Nutrition Facts
Protein: 19.7%
Fat: 17.7%
Moisture: 57.9%
Ash: 1%
Fiber: 2.7%
Calcium to Phosphorus ratio: 1:13
Dubia Roach Nutrition Facts
Protein: 22%
Fat: 7.7%
Moisture: 60%
Ash: 1.7%
Fiber: 2.9%
Calcium to Phosphorus ratio: 2:3
As far as keeping them goes, they’re both insects that people commonly keep inside, and make pretty good roommates. Dubia roaches are very very simple to keep (possibly the easiest feeder to farm indoors). Superworms are slightly more complex, requiring two different containers for their larval and adult life stages, but they’re still very easy to keep.
The other major difference between them is size. Dubia roaches max out at around 1.5” long, where superworms can grow up to 2.5” in length. This makes superworms a better choice for really big reptiles that have outgrown smaller feeders, and an equally bad choice for small reptiles that need smaller food.
Their lifecycles differ somewhat too. Both species are long-lived, with superworms transforming into beetles at around 6 months and living to 18 months. Dubia roaches never metamorphosize but they will live up to 2 years. The effective lifespan of a superworm is around 6 months - once they become beetles, you won’t want to use them as feeders. They’re both fairly slow to grow and slow to reproduce, which is good if you only have one pet and don’t need a million bugs a week.
Which Do Reptiles Like Better?
This depends on what kind of pet you have. Superworms are big and slow moving, which is perfect for big, slow-moving reptiles. Dubia roaches are a little smaller and move around more, which is more appropriate for younger reptiles with lots of energy to burn.
However, it’s important to note that these species complement each other very well. A lot of pet owners use dubia roaches for a staple protein source, while throwing in the occasional superworm as a special fatty treat.
How Many Superworms/Dubias Should I Feed My Pet?
With most species of reptile, the rules for feeding are basically the same. One “feeding” is almost always defined as 5-6 feeders that are as long as the distance between your pet’s eyes. The part that changes between pets is the frequency of those feedings.
For omnivores like bearded dragons, you’ll start out by giving them protein every day along with a salad of green veggies and fruit. As they age, you’ll reduce the frequency of feedings to once every few days, and finally twice per week. This is, of course, in addition to their daily salad intake.
Carnivores like leopard geckos rely much more on insect protein, so you’ll feed them more often. Juveniles get protein every day, and adults get insects once every two to three days.
This equates to about 12 feeders per week for an adult bearded dragon and 18-24 per week for an adult leopard gecko.
Cost of Starting a Superworm/Dubia Colony
The setup cost for dubia roaches and superworms is pretty similar. Dubias have very minimal needs and will do fine in a basic storage bin with some egg flats for hides and a sprinkling of stale cereal to live on.
Superworms are a little more complicated and will need two habitats. The first is where you’ll keep your larvae. This habitat (plastic storage bin) is short, long, and wide. You’ll fill this with your given substrate (food source) which the worms will munch on until they burrow into it and pupate.
At this point, you’ll transfer them to the adult enclosure, which is taller and more spacious. Some pet owners will keep beetles in a minimal setup, like a deli cup, with food and water crystals. A lepidtarium is also a viable option for beetles.
For dubias, the basic setup costs around $40. For superworms, it depends on what you do for the adult habitat. Cost can range from around $40-80.
Cost of Maintaining a Superworm/Dubia Colony
In general, you’ll go through more substrate with superworms than dubias. Superworm substrate is prone to forming moisture pockets, which means you’ll have to throw out whole chunks of wasted substrate. This makes superworms slightly more expensive than dubias.
Which Is Less Expensive?
Overall, dubia roaches are the most inexpensive, no-fuss feeder. But if you need a fatty feeder for larger pets, superworms are definitely the best insect.