The short answer is that almost all reptiles eat Dubia roaches! Their sizes range, from nymph to adult, they're excellent nutrition for both nocturnal and diurnal reptiles and the ease of breeding them makes Dubia roaches an ideal choice for all reptiles. Some adjustments are required to provide the best experience, so the particulars of various types of reptiles are considered below:
Small reptiles: micro sized reptiles, primarily geckos, are growing in popularity. Most micro geckos reach lengths of 2-3 inches by adulthood, but are sometimes less than an inch long at hatching. Geckos of the genera Coleonyx, Strophurus, Stenodactylus and Hemidactylus were traditionally fed on fruit flies, pinhead or 1/8″ size crickets. Newly born Dubia roach nymphs are a perfect size for these tiny creatures and are soft-bodied enough for easy consumption.
Large reptiles: At the other end of the spectrum are the large reptiles such as tegus and monitors, which reach 4-5 feet in length. These reptiles require a varied diet of insects and small mammals as well as small amounts of fruit and vegetables. Adult sized Dubia roaches are consequently a good choice for them. Given the size of these reptiles, a diet consisting primarily of Dubia roaches would necessitate supplying them in huge quantities. Roaches are a good source of nutrition and an important component of what should be a varied diet.
Mid-sized reptiles: Dubia roaches are an excellent staple food for mid-sized reptiles, ranging from the 7-9″ leopard gecko to the 24″ bearded dragon. Through all phases of the life cycle, the appropriate sized roach, which ranges from 1/8″ at birth to 1 1/2-2″ in adulthood, can be provided. Reptiles this size often depend on insects as their main source of calories. Even the primarily frugivorous or vegetarian reptiles such as crested geckos or bearded dragons, depend on insects to provide protein. They will all do very well with Dubia roaches.
Nocturnal reptiles: Dubia roaches are primarily nocturnal, meaning that they are active at night. This works well for nocturnal reptiles who will be looking for their main meal after the sun goes down. Feed Dubia roaches in the evenings and watch the hunt!
Diurnal reptiles: Some species of reptile are active primarily during the day. Feeding Dubia roaches during daylight hours will result in the roaches moving around in search of a darker environment. This movement will attract the reptile and encourage a good feeding response.
Arboreal reptiles: Since dubia roaches don’t climb, feeding arboreal reptiles, who tend to remain near the top of their enclosures on the walls or branches provided, can be a challenge. If placed directly into the cage, the roaches tend to hide at the bottom and burrow into the substrate which can make it difficult for the reptiles to find them. Many arboreal reptile keepers place the roaches in bowls which can be attached to walls or structures higher in the cage. An arboreal reptile can easily become accustomed to finding its food in the bowl if roaches are place there regularly.
What if it’s not a reptile?
Good question. There is ample evidence from internet forums that hobbyists feed Dubia roaches to their:
amphibians (frogs, axolotls, salamanders, newts)
fish (Oscars, cichlids, etc)
birds (including chickens, magpies and other bird species that eats insects)
inverts (taruntulas, scorpions, spiders)
For best results: Consider the size of the reptile you’re feeding, calculate the best size prey, determine the best “delivery” method based on when and where in the cage your reptile is active and give your pet some dietary enjoyment!
