Dubia roaches vs crickets
The short answer: dubia roaches are the better primary staple for most reptiles — more protein, a better calcium balance, and far easier to live with. Crickets are still a great feeder, especially as a second staple and for animals that love to hunt. Most keepers end up using both.
Nutrition, side by side
| Dubia roaches | Crickets | |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | ~23% | ~15% |
| Fat | ~7% | ~3% |
| Moisture | ~66% | ~77% |
| Fiber | ~3% | ~2% |
| Calcium to phosphorus | ~1:3 | ~1:9 |
Figures are widely published feeder-insect analyses (dubiaroaches.com, from a 2002 Finke study). The ideal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for a feeder is around 2:1, so neither insect is perfect — both need calcium dusting. Dubia roaches need less supplementation to get there, and their higher protein means fewer bugs per feeding.
Living with them
This is where the gap gets wide. Dubia roaches are silent, nearly odorless, slow-moving, and long-lived; they don't jump, don't fly, and can't climb smooth surfaces. Crickets chirp all night, smell if their bin isn't kept clean, jump, escape, die off faster, and can bite a resting reptile. If your feeders live in your house, dubia roaches are the easier roommate.
The case for crickets
Crickets are cheaper per bug, available everywhere, and — importantly — they move. Young, active lizards often hunt crickets with more enthusiasm than slow roaches, and that hunting is enrichment, not just calories. Crickets are also legal everywhere, while dubia roaches are illegal in Florida and restricted in a few other states (see our state restrictions page). If you live in Florida or Hawaii, crickets are your staple by law.
Our verdict
Use dubia roaches as the primary staple and crickets as the second staple and hunting enrichment, rotating the two. Dust both with calcium. That combination covers nutrition, cost, and your pet's need to chase its dinner.
Order the feeders in this guide
Dubia Roaches - Small - 100 ct
$19.99
Dubia.com · $8.95 flat shipping
Small dubia roaches are quiet, slow-moving, long-lived, and more nutritious than crickets — the premium staple for bearded dragons, geckos, ...
Banded Crickets - 1,000 ct
$28.99
Dubia.com · $8.95 flat shipping
The classic staple feeder, bought weekly by reptile keepers everywhere. Banded crickets are hardy, active, and easy for bearded dragons, leo...
You order here; we place your order with the breeder, and the breeder ships direct to you in the breeder's packaging and branding. Live arrival is covered within the supplying breeder's window — see our live arrival policy. General keeper guidance only, not veterinary advice: if your animal is sick, not eating, or losing weight, see a reptile or aquatic vet.