Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae
The only feeder insect naturally rich enough in calcium to need no dusting
Far more calcium than mealworms, superworms or crickets — and a rare favourable calcium-to-phosphorus ratio
Built for turtles, tortoises, bearded dragons and growing reptiles that need calcium for shell and bone
Also excellent for aquarium fish, garden birds and backyard hens
Grown on an organic diet and gently dried · no additives or preservatives
15g to 150g (1500+ larvae) · our best-value dried insect
Black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens), 2–2.5 cm, grown on a clean organic diet and gently dried.
The calcium feeder. Almost every feeder insect — mealworms, superworms, crickets, roaches — is low in calcium and high in phosphorus, which is why keepers dust with supplement powder. BSF larvae are the exception: they are naturally calcium-rich with a favourable calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.
What that means in practice: for turtles building shell, for young reptiles building bone, and for laying hens producing eggshell, BSFL do a job that no other insect in our range does as well.
High in protein and fat alongside the calcium, plus essential amino acids and fibre that supports digestion.
Soft-bodied and easy to swallow, with a slightly chewy texture that most pets accept readily.
Sustainable by design — black soldier flies are farmed on organic by-products and use a fraction of the land and water that conventional protein needs.
Suitable for: turtles, tortoises and terrapins (the single best use); bearded dragons, leopard geckos and growing reptiles; aquarium fish including cichlids, goldfish and arowana; garden and balcony birds; budgies, finches and mynas; backyard hens, ducks and quail; hedgehogs and sugar gliders.
Not a complete diet. A calcium and protein supplement alongside the regular feed.
Pack sizes: 15g, 30g (600+ larvae), 60g (1000+), 150g (1500+).
Feed dry, or soften in warm water for 2–3 minutes — recommended for turtles, young birds and smaller fish.
Turtles and tortoises: this is the main use. Soften and offer in shallow water or a feeding dish, 4–6 larvae a few times a week alongside their greens and pellets.
Reptiles: offer 3–5 larvae per feed. Because BSFL are calcium-rich you generally don't need to dust them — though follow your vet or care sheet for growing animals.
Aquarium fish: soften first so they sink, then offer a few at a time. Remove anything uneaten.
Backyard hens: scatter a small handful. Many keepers use BSFL specifically through laying season.
Garden birds: put a small amount in a shallow dish or platform feeder, topped up at the same time daily.
Rotate them in. The most effective way to use BSFL is alongside mealworms or crickets — the worms for protein and palatability, the BSFL for calcium.
Use a dry spoon each time.
Why would I buy these instead of dried mealworms? Calcium. Mealworms, superworms and crickets are all low in calcium and high in phosphorus, which is why reptile keepers dust them with supplement powder. BSF larvae are naturally calcium-rich with a favourable ratio. If you keep a turtle, a growing reptile or laying hens, that difference matters.
Do I still need to dust these with calcium powder? Usually not, which is one of the main reasons keepers choose them. For young, fast-growing reptiles, follow your vet or care sheet — growing animals have higher requirements.
Are these good for turtles? They're the best insect in our range for turtles and tortoises. Shell development depends on calcium, and BSFL deliver it in the insect itself rather than as a powder you add on top. Soften them in warm water and offer alongside greens.
Can my chickens eat them? Yes, and laying hens are a strong use case — calcium supports eggshell quality. Scatter a small handful as a treat alongside their regular feed, not as a replacement for it.
What do they taste like — will my pet accept them? Most pets take them readily. They're softer than crickets and slightly chewy. If your pet is used to mealworms, mix a few BSFL in at first rather than switching outright.
Why are they so much cheaper than your other dried insects? Black soldier flies are farmed on organic by-products and grow extremely fast, so they cost less to produce. You get the nutritional benefit at a lower price — nothing about the quality is reduced.
How do they compare to mealworms on protein? Mealworms are somewhat higher in protein; BSFL are far higher in calcium. Most keepers don't choose between them — they feed both, which is why our combo packs include the two together.
How long do they keep? Months in a sealed jar in a cool, dry place, no refrigeration. Best used within 12 months of opening.
