Product description
Live superworms (Zophobas atratus, often sold as Z. morio) for adult bearded dragons, leopard geckos, chameleons, tarantulas and other larger insect eaters. They are big, active feeders that get an animal's attention. Choose small, medium or large in counts from 25 to 1,000, packed in wheat bran.
Sizes and counts
| Size | Length | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 0.5-1" (about 0.75" average) | Smaller adult lizards, frogs, tarantulas |
| Medium | 1-1.5" | Adult leopard geckos, chameleons |
| Large | 1.5-2" | Adult bearded dragons, monitors and other large lizards |
Counts: 25 and 50 (8 oz cup), 100 (12 oz cup), 200 (24 oz cup), 500 (two 24 oz cups) and 1,000 (four 24 oz cups). Choose a worm no longer than the space between your animal's eyes. Superworms are not a good fit for baby reptiles.
When your box arrives
Open the box right away. Superworms that shipped in cold weather can be slow or still, so let them sit at room temperature before deciding any are dead. Move them into a ventilated plastic tub with an inch or two of the wheat bran they came in, and add a slice of potato or carrot for moisture.
How to store superworms
Never put superworms in the fridge. Unlike mealworms, they do not go dormant in the cold, and refrigeration can kill them. Keep them at room temperature, about 70-80°F. Keep the bran dry, swap out vegetable slices before they mold, and remove dead worms and waste every few days.
Kept together, superworms stay worms. A superworm that is alone in a container will pupate and turn into a beetle, so leave them in a group until feeding time.
Feeding tips
Superworms are higher in fat than mealworms, so offer them as a treat or one part of a varied insect diet, not every meal. Dust them with calcium before feeding reptiles. They can bite, so feed with tongs and remove any worms your animal ignores.
Nutrition facts
| As fed (published values) | Superworm larvae |
|---|---|
| Moisture | 57.9% |
| Protein | 19.7% |
| Fat | 17.7% |
| Fiber (ADF) | 2.7% |
| Calcium | 177 mg/kg |
| Phosphorus | 2,370 mg/kg |
Source: Finke 2002, Zoo Biology 21:269-285, published values for commercially raised superworms. These are not lab results from our stock.
Shipping and live arrival
We ship from Stephenson, Michigan by UPS, Monday through Wednesday only. Live arrival is guaranteed on UPS 2nd Day Air and UPS Next Day Air, and on UPS Ground where it arrives in 2 days or less (most of MI, WI, MN, IA, IL, IN, OH and KY). Checkout marks every option with or without the guarantee. UPS 3 Day Select has no live arrival guarantee.
If worms arrive dead, take a photo of them on a white paper towel with the shipping label in the shot and email it to hello@pioneerfeeders.com within 2 hours of the UPS delivery scan, with "LAG Claim" and your order number in the subject. A claim covers a cup or order where most of the worms arrived dead; a few losses in a cup are normal, and we pack extra to cover them. Approved claims get a free reship on the next ship day, or store credit or a refund at our discretion. Full terms are on our Live Arrival Guarantee page.
Superworm FAQ
Can superworms be refrigerated?
No. Cold can kill them. Keep them at about 70-80°F.
Can superworms bite?
Yes, they can give a small pinch. That is why you should take uneaten worms out of the enclosure instead of leaving them loose.
Why are my superworms turning into beetles?
A superworm kept by itself will pupate. Keep them grouped in one container and they stay larvae.
Are superworms the same as mealworms?
No. Superworms are a different beetle species. They are larger, a bit fattier and need warmth instead of the fridge. Need something smaller? See our live mealworms.
Can leopard geckos eat superworms?
Adults can, as an occasional treat, sized to the gap between the eyes. Stick to mealworms or other small feeders for young geckos.
How many should I order?
Order what your animal will eat in a few weeks. Superworms keep well at room temperature with food, but they will not keep forever.
Which shipping option should I pick?
2nd Day Air and Next Day Air always carry the live arrival guarantee; Ground carries it where checkout says so. In cold weather, the faster services spend less time in the truck.