Feeding Your Ants Protein: Which Feeder Insects to Choose

Protein is one of the most important parts of an ant colony's diet. Without it, the brood wouldn't develop and the queen would stop laying eggs. There are lots of sources of protein out there, so this guide is here to help you choose. For a wider look at ant food, read what do ants eat?

Feeder Insects

Feeder insects are one of the best, if not the best, source of protein for ants. In the wild, ants eat insects, so it makes sense to do the same when keeping them. Feeder insects are bred specially as food, so they are clean and safe to give. There are lots of types, so here's a quick overview from small to large.

Fruit Flies

Fruit flies are a great feeder insect for small colonies and semi-claustral queens. They are small, packed full of protein and easy to eat. The ants can feed the whole fruit fly to the brood, unlike mealworms, which have a hard exoskeleton. If I could, I would only feed fruit flies, but they aren't practical for large colonies. You can buy Large Fruit Flies or breed them yourself with our Fruit Fly Culture Set. Read how to breed fruit flies as live ant food and Drosophila melanogaster vs Drosophila hydei.

Buffalo Worms

These are like mealworms, just smaller. They are a hit with small colonies. Buffalo worms are ideal when your colony is in the stage where fruit flies don't really suffice, but crickets and mealworms are too much. They have a good amount of protein in them but, like mealworms, have a hard exoskeleton.

Mealworms

Mealworms are a good source of protein for ants as the colony grows. Because their exoskeleton is hard, it is worth cutting them into pieces so the ants can reach the protein inside more easily. Mealworms are quite fatty compared to other feeder insects, so alternate them with other feeders rather than making them the colony's only protein source.

Crickets

Crickets are an amazing feeder for more established colonies. You can buy small crickets, which also work well for small colonies, while bigger house crickets or field crickets are better for larger colonies. Depending on the species of ant, you can feed them with just the head taken off, or cut up. Pheidole species, for example, have majors that can cut up a cricket themselves. For most other species it is better to feed them cut up.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are a great source of protein for large colonies. They come in different sizes, from the massive Madagascar hissing cockroaches to tiny dubia nymphs, so you can find a type that suits your colony. The most commonly sold feeder types are Dubia's and red runners. Both are good for large colonies and have plenty of protein in them. I only recommend them if you have a big colony that can eat cockroaches, or a lot will go to waste.

A tip on wild insects

Insects you catch yourself, around the house or garden, may carry pesticides or parasites. It is safest to stick to bred feeder insects.

How much to feed

Always match the amount to the size of your colony and remove leftovers before they go mouldy. Better to give a little often than a lot at once. Living in the United States? Read the complete ant feeding guide on Esthetic Ants USA.