Firebrats – Highly Active Feeder Insects for Mantids, Spiderlings & Small Reptiles
Firebrats are fast‑moving, heat‑loving feeder insects ideal for mantids, spiderlings, dart frogs, young geckos, and other small insectivores. Their naturally high activity levels trigger strong hunting responses, making them perfect for encouraging natural predatory behaviour in a wide range of species.
These tiny, harmless insects thrive in dry, hot environments, making them easy to keep and maintain. They can be gut‑loaded with nutritious foods before feeding, helping you boost the overall diet quality of your animals.
Why Choose Firebrats as Feeders
- Excellent for small predators such as mantids, spiderlings, and young lizards
- Highly active movement stimulates natural hunting and enrichment
- Safe and harmless to reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates
- Easy to gut‑load for improved nutritional value
- Simple to keep in warm, dry conditions
Firebrat Care Guide – Simple, Reliable Feeder Insect Care
Firebrats are one of the easiest feeder insects to keep at home. They thrive in hot, dry conditions, reproduce quickly, and stay highly active, making them ideal for mantids, spiderlings, dart frogs, and small lizards.
Temperature & Environment
Firebrats love heat — it keeps them active and encourages breeding.
- Ideal temperature: 32–40°C
- Use a heat mat on the side or back of the tub (not underneath)
- Avoid humidity; moisture can kill them quickly
Feeding & Gut‑Loading
A well‑fed firebrat makes a more nutritious feeder.
- Offer dry foods such as:
- fish flakes
- chick crumbs
- porridge oats
- wholegrain cereals
- Add small pieces of fruit or veg for moisture (remove before mould forms)
- Gut‑load 24–48 hours before feeding to your animals
Cleaning & Maintenance
Firebrats are low‑maintenance but benefit from regular checks.
- Remove old food before it spoils
- Replace cardboard hides when worn
- Keep the tub dry and warm
- Firebrats reproduce quickly, so be prepared for population growth
Feeding to Your Animals
Firebrats are safe, harmless, and easy to offer.
- Use feeding tongs or a smooth dish
- Their fast movement encourages natural hunting
Suitable for:
- mantids
- spiderlings
- small geckos
- dart frogs
- young insectivorous lizards