How Long Do Common Feeder Insects Live?
Feeding your exotic pets with live insects can be both rewarding and enriching—it's a natural way to keep them healthy, active, and satisfied. But here’s the catch: not knowing how long feeder insects live can lead to waste, overbuying, or worse, starving your pet at the wrong time.
Ever bought a batch of mealworms only to find them all pupated?
Lost crickets overnight despite a perfect setup?
Unsure how long hornworms will stay edible?
Understanding how long each insect lives helps you plan, store, and feed smarter. In this post, we’ll explore essential answers to common questions like:
How long do Dubia roaches live?
And more insights on the lifespan of popular feeder insects—from Dubia roaches to waxworms—so you can keep your pets well-fed and stress-free.
1. Dubia Roaches
Dubia roaches are a favorite among exotic pet owners due to their high protein content and low-fat ratio. These insects are fairly long-lived compared to other feeders. As nymphs, they take about 4 to 6 months to mature into adults. Once mature, adult males live for about 6 months, while females can live up to 1.5 years if properly cared for.
They require warmth and humidity to thrive, and they don’t climb smooth surfaces or fly—making them easy to manage. Keep them in a dark, well-ventilated container with egg crates to hide in. If you maintain their environment, they’ll remain a reliable food source for quite some time.
2. Mealworms
As mentioned earlier, mealworms go through four life stages: egg, larva (what we feed), pupa, and beetle. Their larval stage, which is the stage most commonly used as food, lasts 6 to 10 weeks. You can slow down their development by storing them in the refrigerator, extending their usability by weeks.
However, you shouldn't keep them too cold or they might die. Instead, keep them at about 45°F–50°F (7°C–10°C) to keep them dormant but alive. As they warm up, they become active again and are ready for feeding.
3. Hornworms
Hornworms are fast-growing caterpillars that reptiles—especially chameleons and bearded dragons—love to eat. But their lifespan is pretty short. From the time they hatch, hornworms live for about 2 to 3 weeks in their larval (feeding) stage. After this, they pupate and eventually become hawk moths.
They grow very rapidly—almost doubling in size every day if kept warm (around 80°F). That’s why they’re shipped small and must be fed off quickly. If you want to slow their growth, keep them at lower temperatures (around 55°F). This can extend their feeding window by a few days.
4. Crickets
Crickets are among the most common feeder insects, but they’re also among the shortest-lived. On average, crickets live for about 6 to 8 weeks from hatching to the end of their life. Once they reach adulthood, they only live another 2 to 3 weeks.
This short lifespan means you should only buy what you can use in a week or two unless you're breeding them. Crickets are also sensitive to overcrowding, poor ventilation, and humidity. They can die off quickly in bad conditions. To keep them longer, house them in a roomy container with egg crates for hiding, and give them fresh vegetables and a water source like a soaked sponge.
5. Waxworms
Waxworms are the larval form of wax moths and are often used as occasional treats due to their high fat content. These insects are soft, wriggly, and very appealing to many reptiles and amphibians. However, waxworms only live about 1 to 2 months, depending on storage and environmental conditions.
Kept at room temperature, they can pupate quickly and turn into moths within a few weeks. To keep them in their larval stage longer, refrigerate them at 50°F–60°F (10°C–15°C). This can help keep them usable for up to a month. But watch out—they’re escape artists if they get too warm and start to pupate.
Tips for Managing Feeder Insect Lifespan
Storage – Cooler temperatures slow metabolism and extend life.
Clean Enclosures – Remove dead insects and uneaten food to prevent mold and disease.
Hydration and Feeding – Well-fed insects last longer and are more nutritious.
Avoid Overcrowding – Too many insects in a small space can lead to rapid die-off.
Conclusion
Understanding the life span of feeder insects helps you make smarter choices for both your pet and your pocket. From Dubia roaches that can last for months, to hornworms and waxworms that need to be fed off quickly, each insect has a unique timeline. So the next time you’re stocking up, remember: proper care and the right storage make all the difference.
Knowing how long common feeder insects live helps reduce waste, improve your pet’s diet, and streamline your care routine. Whether you're new to exotic pets or an experienced keeper, this basic knowledge goes a long way.
