If you've recently discovered that Dubia Roaches are not available in Australia, you're probably wondering what the best alternative live feeders are for your reptile or frog.
As of 29th May 2026, legislation has been clarified, and Dubia Roaches are not on the live import list DCCEEW Website
The good news is that several excellent feeder insects are available, each with its own strengths and benefits.
Rather than looking for a direct replacement, it's worth understanding the advantages of the most popular live feeders so you can choose the best option for your reptile's age, species and feeding preferences.
Why Were Dubia Roaches So Popular?
Dubia Roaches became a favourite among reptile keepers because they offered:
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Good protein levels
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Soft exoskeletons
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Easy digestion
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Simple breeding and care
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Minimal odour
With Dubias no longer available, many keepers are now exploring other feeder insects that can provide similar nutritional value and feeding enrichment.
Why Variety Matters
No single feeder insect provides everything a reptile needs.
Offering a range of live foods can help:
- Provide nutritional variety
- Encourage natural hunting behaviours
- Reduce feeding boredom
- Support healthy growth and development
This is why many reptile keepers rotate multiple feeder insects throughout the week rather than relying on a single staple feeder.
Popular Live Food Alternatives
Wood Roaches (Woodies)
Woodies are one of Australia's most widely used feeder insects and are suitable for many reptiles including bearded dragons, blue tongue skinks, monitors and geckos.
They are highly active, easy to gut-load and available in multiple sizes.
Crickets
Crickets remain one of the most popular live feeders in the reptile hobby.
Their movement stimulates strong feeding responses and they are suitable for a wide variety of reptile and amphibian species.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL)
Black Soldier Fly Larvae are increasingly popular due to their soft bodies and naturally high calcium content.
They are often used as part of a varied feeding program for both juvenile and adult reptiles.
Which Alternative Is Best?
The answer depends on your reptile's species, age, size and feeding preferences.
Some reptiles prefer highly active prey such as crickets and woodies, while others readily consume Black Soldier Fly Larvae.
Rather than asking which feeder insect is "best", it's often more useful to understand the strengths and limitations of each option.
Read Our Complete Guide
To help you choose the right feeder insect for your pet, we've created a detailed comparison guide covering:
- Nutritional benefits
- Feeding response
- Digestibility
- Calcium levels
- Best reptile species for each feeder
👉 Read: Woodies vs Crickets vs Black Soldier Fly Larvae – Which Live Food Is Best for Your Reptile?
Need Help Choosing?
Every reptile is different. If you're unsure which live food is most suitable for your pet, our team is happy to help recommend the best options based on your species and feeding goals.
