Complete nutrient composition of commercially raised invertebrates used as food for insectivores

Abstract A variety of invertebrates are commonly fed to insectivorous animals by both zoos and hobbyists, but information as to the nutrient composition of most commercially raised species is limited. Adult house crickets, house cricket nymphs ( Acheta domesticus ), superworms ( Zophobas morio larvae), giant mealworm larvae, mealworm larvae and adult mealworms ( Tenebrio molitor ), waxworm larvae ( Galleria mellonella ), and silkworm larvae ( Bombyx mori ) were analyzed for moisture, crude protein, crude fat, ash, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins. Earthworms ( Lumbricus terresstris ) were analyzed for moisture, crude protein, crude fat,…