Can Painted Turtles eat Waxworms?
Chrysemys picta · Galleria mellonella
Caution
Occasionally — no more than monthly
Tortoise Trust acknowledges waxworms as acceptable in limited amounts occasionally for aquatic turtles broadly, and Painted Turtles are omnivores with meaningful protein requirements especially as juveniles. Their high fat content limits usefulness as a protein source compared to earthworms or bloodworms.
Feeding frequency
Occasionally — no more than monthly
The short answer
Tortoise Trust acknowledges waxworms as acceptable in limited amounts occasionally for aquatic turtles broadly, and Painted Turtles are omnivores with meaningful protein requirements especially as juveniles. Their high fat content limits usefulness as a protein source compared to earthworms or bloodworms.
Feeding it safely
How much / how often
Backed by sources
Reviewed by basking_research · June 2026
Stuff that helps
Affiliate links — Basking may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Basking is here to help you learn — it isn't veterinary advice. For anything specific to your animal, talk to a qualified exotic-animal vet.
← All Painted Turtle foods