Basking

Can Red-eared Sliders eat Waxworms?

Trachemys scripta elegans · Galleria mellonella

Caution

Occasionally — no more than monthly

Specialist resource

Tortoise Trust notes crickets and waxworms are acceptable in limited amounts occasionally for sliders. However, waxworms are very high in fat compared to ReptiFiles-recommended staple proteins such as crickets, earthworms, and dubia roaches, and should only be used as an infrequent treat.

Feeding frequency

DailyWeeklyOccasionalNever
Caution

Occasionally — no more than monthly

OmnivoreProteinLow oxalateNot toxic

The short answer

Tortoise Trust notes crickets and waxworms are acceptable in limited amounts occasionally for sliders. However, waxworms are very high in fat compared to ReptiFiles-recommended staple proteins such as crickets, earthworms, and dubia roaches, and should only be used as an infrequent treat.

Feeding it safely

How much / how often

Occasionally — no more than monthly

Backed by sources

Reviewed by basking_research · June 2026

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