Gut loading to enhance the nutrient content of insects as food for reptiles: A mathematical approach
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10082.abs A variety of commercially raised insects are fed to insectivorous reptiles, but information concerning appropriate diets used to feed these insects is limited. In the present study, house crickets (Acheta domesticus adults and nymphs), mealworms (Tenebrio molitor larvae), and silkworms (Bombyx mori larvae) were fed diets containing graded levels of calcium (Ca) and/or […]
Signalling and phosphorus: correlations between mate signalling effort and body elemental composition in crickets
Recent findings in the field of ecological stoichiometry indicate that the relationships among key macronutrient elements (e.g. carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus) of organisms and their resources may underlie variation in fitness-conferring behaviours. The amount of phosphorus in an individual’s body is often correlated with its rate of growth and reproduction, and low-phosphorus diets are known […]
Challenges with effective nutrient supplementation for amphibians: A review of cricket studies
Over the last 25 years, numerous studies have investigated the impact of insect supplementation on insect nutrient content. In light of recent nutrition related challenges with regards to zoo amphibians fed an insect based diet, this review attempts to comprehensively compile both anecdotal and published data in the context of practical application on this topic. […]