Basking

Can Russian Tortoises eat Waxworms?

Agrionemys horsfieldii · Galleria mellonella

Toxic

Avoid

Specialist resource

Russian Tortoises are strict herbivores requiring high-fiber, low-protein diets; animal protein is contraindicated per Tortoise Trust guidelines which warn against animal protein for herbivore tortoises. Waxworms as an insect protein source are inappropriate regardless of fat content.

Feeding frequency

DailyWeeklyOccasionalNever
Toxic

Avoid

HerbivoreProteinLow oxalate

The short answer

Russian Tortoises are strict herbivores requiring high-fiber, low-protein diets; animal protein is contraindicated per Tortoise Trust guidelines which warn against animal protein for herbivore tortoises. Waxworms as an insect protein source are inappropriate regardless of fat content.

Feeding it safely

How much / how often

Avoid

Backed by sources

Reviewed by basking_research · June 2026

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.

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