Top 5 Beetle Larvae & Mealworms in the United States for 2025: An Expert Guide to Choosing Live, Cultured or Freeze-Dried Feed for Reptiles & Amphibians

Fluker's Live Mealworms are a widely distributed, reliable choice known for consistent sizing and strict quality control, making them the go-to for routine feeding of reptiles and amphibians. They hold a leadership position for availability and value—often cheaper per worm than boutique suppliers—while providing a predictable nutritional profile compared with specialty options like Timberline giants or Josh's superworms. For keepers who need dependable, frequent supplies at a reasonable cost, Fluker's balances price and performance better than most freeze-dried or premium live alternatives.

Josh's Frogs Live Superworms are favored for offering larger, higher-fat/high-protein larvae ideal for medium-to-large reptiles and amphibians, and the brand is known for careful handling and live-arrival guarantees. They command a premium over standard mealworms but deliver technical advantages—bigger prey size and higher caloric density—making them more time-efficient for feeding larger animals compared with smaller mealworms from Fluker's or Nature Zone. For keepers who prioritize nutrition per feed and reliable live quality, Josh's Frogs is a market leader among superworm suppliers.

Nature Zone Live Mealworms position themselves as a cost-effective, bulk-friendly option for hobbyists that need steady supplies for everyday feeding, often undercutting national brands on price. While they may not have the same brand recognition or premium packaging as Fluker's or Josh's Frogs, their financial advantage lies in lower per-worm cost and flexible bulk sizes, making them attractive for breeders and large collections. Compared to Timberline's giant varieties, Nature Zone focuses on standard-sized mealworms that are better suited for hatchlings and small amphibians.

Timberline Live Giant Mealworms are bred for unusually large size and robustness, providing a technical feeding advantage by reducing handling frequency and making them ideal for medium-to-large reptiles that require fewer, larger prey. They tend to be priced higher per worm than standard mealworms, but their size and survivability lower labor and shipping losses compared with smaller live feeds, offering a different kind of cost-efficiency for keepers who feed larger animals. In contrast with Josh's Frogs superworms, Timberline giants emphasize sheer mealworm size and consistency rather than species variation.