What food for my whites tree frog??

[JeffreH]

Dubias are excellent feeders, and most species of roach contain almost identical nutrional composition at a glance (percent protein, fat, etc). Even Madagascaran Hissing Roach nymphs yield similar nutrional data to that of B. dubia and Blatta lateralis, etc.

The problem is, many people cannot keep roaches, have difficulty obtaining them at their location/country, or they wish not to for whatever reason (initial cost, phobia, etc). It is illegal to keep a large variety of common feeder roaches in Florida for example; with a few exceptions like the Surinam Roach or Blaberus discoidalis.

Additionally, some frogs and species that rely more heavely on visual stimulation and movement can be uninterested in B. dubia. They are a slower species, they will bunker down when they feel threatened, and nymphs may even lightly cover themselves in loose substrate. This can be frustrating - I have noted many of the Rhacodactylus geckos do not like B. dubia very much and a friend of mine with a Milk Frog only has success with species like Eublaberus posticus (Orange Head Roach) nymphs, Blatta orientalis, Lobster roaches, and of course, Blatta lateralis (Turkistan Roaches). These are all faster moving species, and tend to have unique coloration as well that entices the animal.

But you are absolutely correct - generally roaches have a great meat: shell ratio, relatively decent calcium : phosporous ratio, and very high calorie from protein content vs calorie from fat. This makes them a very lean and quality feeder all around for most any species of insectivore, but a specific roach species may need to be obtained depending on the needs. Example: Bearded dragons will eat virtually any roach, but my Rhacs will only touch Blatta lateralis, E. posticus, and Lobsters due to movement and appearence.

[mim]

. I did say roaches! iv never personally used roaches, plainly coz I can only just about stand the crickets lol. Plus in not sure how small the smallest R and my froggies R still quite young. I did consider it but I don't think my frogs R big enough yet, plus I gotta find somewhere to get them.

[Cronopio]

. I did say roaches! iv never personally used roaches, plainly coz I can only just about stand the crickets lol. Plus in not sure how small the smallest R and my froggies R still quite young. I did consider it but I don't think my frogs R big enough yet, plus I gotta find somewhere to get them.

Thanks, Mim! Yes, I think many of us would be happier if we could call them beetles

[mim]

Thanks, Mim! Yes, I think many of us would be happier if we could call them beetles

haha I think even callin them beetles I couldn't handle them lol.