Bearded dragons are a popular reptile for a pet. While the foods they eat are often purchased, many owners wonder if they can catch insects and feed these to their bearded dragons. A good example is crickets, moths, ants, grasshoppers, cockroaches, mealworms, spiders, and waxworms are among the minute arthropods that brown anoles eat.
This can make you wonder if ladybugs are dangerous for a lizard to eat. In our guide, you can learn if they are a good source of nutrients or if they can be dangerous and poisonous to bearded dragons.
By the end, you’ll learn that in small quantities, they could be mildly toxic and other reasons why they could have allergic reactions if your beardie eats too many. (Read Can Chickens Eat Cracked Corn)
Are Ladybugs Toxic To Reptiles?
Ladybugs are moderately harmful to bearded dragons; thus, they should not be eaten.
Small bugs, such as ladybugs, are not frequently eaten by bearded dragons.
Crickets and mealworms are preferred larger insects. If your bearded dragon eats ladybugs, give them in little amounts; otherwise, they may develop an upset stomach or excess pooping (diarrhea).
Because of the compounds, they create to assist them in fending off predators, ladybugs are hazardous to pet reptiles. The toxicity of many species varies; however, some are highly harmful to bearded dragons.
Bearded dragons are sensitive to ladybugs. However, there aren’t likely to be any long-term consequences if your dragon eats a couple of ladybugs (bearded dragons can eat red ants without problems, which are about the same size as ladybugs).
However, you should avoid feeding your bearded dragon any bugs you aren’t sure are safe, especially as they are not nutritious for bearded dragons.
Even though they could provide a decent source of protein and other nutrients in modest quantities, they could pose issues if consumed in large quantities or by themselves.
Many bugs, such as crickets and mealworms, are easier to come by and safer to eat.
What Bugs Are Poisonous To Bearded Dragons?
Most wild insects shouldn’t be fed to bearded dragons. While not highly toxic, it is because they can carry parasites that can end up on your bearded dragon’s body.
While it has the look of dust, it could be a case of mites that have made your bearded dragon their home for the time being.
Never feed a glowing insect to your bearded dragon. Fireflies, lightning bugs, and other worms that glow in the dark fall under this category. Bearded dragons are particularly harmful to the chemical that causes these insects to shine. (Read Can Ducks Eat Dry Cat Food)
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Any Bugs?
Bearded dragons can eat spiders, however, be aware that some spiders are harmful to bearded dragons and can potentially kill them.
Bearded dragons can eat some varieties of spiders if they are cooked or frozen first. Although you’ll find the nutrients in these are not like what you get in crickets or dubia roaches.
Because spiders carry toxins that can be toxic to bearded dragons, they are not a healthy source of sustenance for them.
It’s also crucial to ensure the spider isn’t dangerous before feeding it to your bearded dragon. You can keep your pet safe from eating harmful chemicals, either intentionally or accidentally.
Bearded dragons aren’t very fond of spiders as they aren’t too keen on the taste, but they can still eat them if they need food.
Many varieties of spiders should not be fed to bearded dragons since they are venomous or otherwise dangerous to them.
While some spiders are likely to be enjoyed by the bearded dragon, it is always good to check whether the spider is toxic before feeding it to the bearded dragon.
If you have an influx of spiders you want to get rid of, use citrus fruits as a deterrent as they don’t like the smell.
Do Lizards Eat Ladybugs?
Turtles, frogs, iguanas, snakes, salamanders, chameleons, and lizards are silent creatures that are frequently kept as pets. Unfortunately, these animals usually carry Salmonella germs, which can cause severe sickness in humans.
Generally, lizards don’t eat lady bugs, and if they do, they can be mildly toxic. However, a beardie dragon should be perfectly fine unless they have eaten plenty.
Insects are a vital element of a bearded dragon’s diet (particularly for younger dragons), so make sure your bearded dragon is getting the correct amount, variety, and species.
Insects Perfectly Fine To Eat
- Larvae of the black soldier fly
- Butterworms, Redworms & Superworms
- Cockroaches and Crickets
- Dubia roaches
- Earthworms
- Locusts
To begin with, bearded dragons will eat just about every insect that crosses their path. However, as you can see above, not all bugs are safe to consume by bearded dragons.
Because of this, you need to ensure they are eating safe insects.
Bearded dragons can eat these insects above, and they’re relatively easy to get by.
However, there are insects to stay away from besides the humble ladybug.
- Firefly’s
- Elder bugs
- Bees, wasps, and scorpions are venomous insects.
- Any glowing insects
- Insects found outside
- Insects sold for fishing bait
- Insects found inside your home
Allow your beardie to heave eaten plenty of bugs as possible in 15 minutes when feeding. Collect bugs from the enclosure that haven’t been eaten and save them for another feeding.
If you leave the insects in your bearded dragon’s tank for an extended period, the insects may burrow and hide in the tank, causing your bearded dragon to overeat.
Ensure your bearded dragon’s insects come from a reputable feeder insect provider.
Never feed your lizard bugs or insects designed for fishing bait that you find outside or on your property. This is because it’s uncommon for your house’s bugs to carry parasites or trace levels of chemicals, which are harmful to bearded dragons. (Read Can Sheep Eat Lettuce)
Safe insects can be purchased at local pet stores or via internet feeder insect suppliers.
