What Do Small Lizards Eat: 7 Pro Tips
Small lizards have diverse dietary needs that vary by species, age, and habitat. Whether you’ve found a tiny wild lizard in your garden or are considering keeping one as a pet, understanding their nutritional requirements is essential for their health and wellbeing. Most small lizards are insectivores or omnivores, with specific preferences that have evolved to match their natural environments. This article explores the common food sources for small lizards and provides practical feeding advice for both wild and captive species.
1. Insects – The Primary Food Source
Insects form the cornerstone of most small lizards’ diets, providing essential protein and nutrients they need to thrive.
Common Insect Options:
– Crickets (appropriately sized for the lizard)
– Mealworms
– Waxworms (high in fat, should be offered as treats)
– Dubia roaches
– Fruit flies (for very small species)
For extremely small lizards, baby crickets (pinheads) or fruit flies are ideal as they’re easier to catch and consume. Wild lizards naturally hunt insects in their environment, while captive lizards should be offered live insects that have been properly gut-loaded (fed nutritious foods before being offered to the lizard).
Pros and Cons of Insect Feeding
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High in protein | Some insects need to be gut-loaded for optimal nutrition |
| Stimulates natural hunting behaviors | Live insects can escape if not monitored |
| Widely available in pet stores | Some insects (like crickets) can be noisy |
2. Supplemental Vegetables and Fruits
While many small lizards are primarily insectivorous, several species benefit from or require plant matter in their diet, especially as they mature.
Suitable Vegetables:
– Dark leafy greens (kale, collard greens, mustard greens)
– Bell peppers
– Squash
– Carrots (grated)
– Peas
Suitable Fruits (in moderation):
– Berries
– Papaya
– Mango
– Apple (no seeds)
– Melon
Omnivorous species like bearded dragons and blue-tongued skinks require more plant matter in their diet than purely insectivorous species like house geckos or anoles. The ratio of insects to plant matter will vary by species, so research your specific lizard’s requirements.
Pros and Cons of Plant Matter
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides essential vitamins and fiber | Not suitable as primary food for insectivores |
| Easily available and affordable | Some lizards may refuse plant matter |
| Can be left in enclosure longer than insects | Must be chopped appropriately for small lizards |
3. Commercial Diets and Supplements
For certain small lizard species, especially geckos, commercial powdered diets can be an important part of their nutrition.
Commercial Options:
– Crested Gecko Diet (CGD)
– Powdered omnivore diets
– Juvenile reptile formulas
– Calcium and vitamin supplements
These commercial options are particularly important for species like crested geckos, gargoyle geckos, and day geckos. For most insectivorous lizards, calcium and vitamin D3 supplements should be dusted on insects before feeding.
Pros and Cons of Commercial Diets
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Nutritionally balanced | Some lizards prefer live food |
| Convenient and shelf-stable | Can be expensive |
| Reduces reliance on live insects | Not suitable for all species |
4. Feeding Wild-Caught Small Lizards
If you’ve found a small wild lizard that needs temporary care, understanding its natural diet is crucial.
Appropriate Foods for Wild Lizards:
– Small crickets and mealworms (2-3 times weekly)
– Dark leafy greens for omnivorous species
– Water in a shallow dish
Wild lizards should ideally be released back to their natural habitat as soon as possible. If the lizard is injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitator for proper care instructions.
Pros and Cons of Caring for Wild Lizards
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can help injured individuals recover | Wild lizards may be stressed in captivity |
| Educational opportunity | May be illegal to keep wild lizards in some areas |
| Temporary solution for displaced animals | Wild lizards may carry parasites |
5. Size-Appropriate Feeding for Very Small Lizards
Extremely small lizards, such as hatchlings or diminutive species, require specially sized food items.
Suitable Foods for Very Small Lizards:
– Pinhead (baby) crickets
– Fruit flies
– Small phoenix worms
– Finely chopped vegetables (for omnivores)
– Commercial diets mixed to a thin consistency
The general rule is that food items should be no larger than the width of the lizard’s head. For very tiny lizards, this may mean specialized food sources are necessary.
Pros and Cons of Specialized Small Prey
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Prevents choking hazards | Can be difficult to source |
| Easier for small lizards to catch and digest | May require breeding your own feeder insects |
| Appropriate nutrition for smaller bodies | More frequent feeding may be necessary |
6. Species-Specific Dietary Requirements
Different lizard species have evolved specific dietary preferences that should be respected in captivity.
Common Small Lizard Species and Their Diets:
House Geckos
– Primary diet: Small insects (crickets, fruit flies)
– Supplement: Calcium powder
– Frequency: Every 1-2 days
Anoles
– Primary diet: Small flying insects
– Supplement: Calcium and vitamin powders
– Frequency: Every 1-2 days
Crested Geckos
– Primary diet: Commercial crested gecko diet
– Supplement: Insects 1-2 times weekly
– Frequency: Fresh CGD every other day
Juvenile Bearded Dragons
– Primary diet: Insects (80%), Vegetables (20%)
– Supplement: Calcium and vitamins
– Frequency: Multiple feedings daily
7. Feeding Schedule and Amounts
Establishing an appropriate feeding schedule is as important as offering the right foods.
General Feeding Guidelines:
– Young, growing lizards: Feed daily
– Adult insectivores: Feed every 2-3 days
– Adult omnivores: Daily vegetables with insects 2-3 times weekly
– Very small species: Smaller, more frequent meals
The amount to feed varies by species, but a general rule is to offer as many appropriately sized insects as your lizard will eat in one feeding session (typically 5-15 minutes).
Pros and Cons of Different Feeding Schedules
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Regular schedule helps monitor appetite | Some species prefer natural foraging |
| Prevents overfeeding | May not match wild feeding patterns |
| Easier to manage for owners | Some species may need seasonal adjustments |
Comparison of Food Options for Small Lizards
| Food Type | Best For | Nutritional Value | Ease of Acquisition | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crickets | Most insectivorous species | High protein, needs dusting | Easy – pet stores | Low to moderate |
| Mealworms | Larger small lizards | High fat, moderate protein | Easy – pet stores | Low |
| Fruit Flies | Very small lizards | Moderate protein | Moderate – specialty stores | Low (but may need cultures) |
| Dubia Roaches | Most insectivorous species | High protein, low fat | Moderate – specialty stores | Moderate |
| Leafy Greens | Omnivorous species | Vitamins, minerals, fiber | Easy – grocery stores | Low |
| Commercial Diets | Crested geckos, gargoyle geckos | Complete nutrition | Moderate – pet stores | Moderate to high |
| Calcium/Vitamin Supplements | All captive lizards | Essential micronutrients | Easy – pet stores | Moderate (lasts long time) |
Summary and Recommendations
Small lizards have diverse dietary needs that must be tailored to their species, size, and age. Here are some key recommendations:
For Insectivorous Species (Geckos, Anoles):
– Focus on appropriately sized live insects
– Dust with calcium and vitamin supplements
– Ensure insects are gut-loaded before feeding
For Omnivorous Species (Young Bearded Dragons, Skinks):
– Provide a mix of insects and plant matter
– Adjust the ratio according to age (younger lizards need more protein)
– Offer a variety of vegetables and occasional fruits
For Very Small Lizards:
– Source pinhead crickets, fruit flies, or other tiny prey items
– Feed more frequently but in smaller amounts
– Consider commercial diets that can be prepared to appropriate consistency
For Wild Lizards:
– Provide temporary care with natural food sources
– Release back to their habitat when possible
– Consult wildlife experts for long-term solutions
Understanding what small lizards eat is crucial for their health and longevity. By providing a diet that mimics their natural feeding habits, you can ensure your small lizard receives the nutrition it needs to thrive. Remember that specific dietary requirements vary significantly between species, so always research the particular needs of your lizard for optimal care.