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"Pet Bearded Dragon Care & Information (Pogona vitticeps)"

Bearded Dragon Superworms

Bearded Dragon Superworms

Bearded dragon Superworms, also called Bearded dragon Kingworms, Zoophobas or "Supers", are the larval stage of the Darkling beetle (Zophobas morio). Because of their size, adult larvae resemble very large mealworms. Some people make the mistake in thinking that Superworms and giant mealworms are one and the same thing. Giant mealworms are mealworms (T. molitor) that were treated with steroids. Avoid feeding these to Bearded dragons.

Bearded Dragon Superworms Feeding

When comparing Bearded dragon Kingworms with mealworms, they have more protein (ca. 17% Vs. 20%) less fat (ca. 18% Vs. 13%), are just as tasty and are almost just as deficient in calcium (Ca:P ratio of 1:18 Vs. 1:25). Because of this Bearded dragons should only get to eat limited quantities of these worms to prevent obesity and growth stunting. Another problem is that Bearded dragons might refuse to eat anything else if they are spoiled with Kingworms. More nutritious foodstuffs such as crickets and cockroaches should make up the bulk of Bearded dragon food.

Bearded dragon Superworms can be offered in a shallow escape proof dish with a suitable calcium supplementation to stimulate its intake. Small or baby Superworms (1.2 - 2 cm / ½ - ¾ " in length) can be fed to juvenile Bearded dragons. Adult Superworms (3.8 – 6.3 cm / 1½ – 2½ " in length) are perfect for the occasional adult Bearded dragon snack and to improve poor body condition scores of emaciated individuals.

The Advanced Bearded Dragon Manual
For Basic & Advanced Bearded dragon care incl. Bearded dragon Kingworms & more...
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