Basking

Can Red-eared Sliders eat Silkworms?

Trachemys scripta elegans · Bombyx mori

Caution

2–3×/week (juveniles)

Specialist resource

ReptiFiles explicitly lists silkworms as a safe protein source for Red-eared Sliders. Their better Ca:P ratio compared to most feeder insects and lower fat content make them a quality component of the protein fraction for both juveniles and adults.

Feeding frequency

DailyWeeklyOccasionalNever
Caution

2–3×/week (juveniles)

OmnivoreProteinLow oxalateNot toxic

The short answer

ReptiFiles explicitly lists silkworms as a safe protein source for Red-eared Sliders. Their better Ca:P ratio compared to most feeder insects and lower fat content make them a quality component of the protein fraction for both juveniles and adults.

Feeding it safely

How much / how often

2–3×/week (juveniles); Weekly (adults)

Backed by sources

Specialist resourceReptiFiles

Reviewed by basking_research · June 2026

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