Yes, some snakes eat grasshoppers, but most snakes do not. Small insect-eating species such as rough green snakes, smooth green snakes, garter snakes and many young snakes will eat grasshoppers, crickets and other insects. Larger pet snakes like corn snakes, ball pythons and king snakes eat rodents and are not fed grasshoppers.
Which snakes eat grasshoppers?
- Green snakes (rough and smooth): insect specialists that eat grasshoppers, crickets, caterpillars and spiders.
- Garter snakes: eat worms, amphibians and fish, and may take grasshoppers and other insects, especially when young.
- Baby snakes of many species: small hatchlings of some wild species eat insects before moving on to bigger prey.
- Hognose snakes: mainly eat toads, but young snakes may take insects.
Snakes that do not eat grasshoppers
Corn snakes, ball pythons, king snakes, milk snakes and boas eat mice and rats, not insects. Feeding grasshoppers to these snakes is not necessary and does not give them the nutrition they need.
Are grasshoppers good food for a pet snake?
For an insect-eating snake, farm-raised grasshoppers can be part of the diet, along with crickets, roaches and other feeders. They are safe only if you raise them yourself or buy from a feeder supplier. Wild grasshoppers can carry:
- Pesticides or lawn chemicals
- Parasites
- Bacteria
Gut-load feeder insects with fresh greens and vegetables before feeding, and offer insects no longer than the width of the snake’s head.
How often do insect-eating snakes eat?
Small insect-eating snakes are often fed every two to three days, with several insects each time. Offer food that is the right size, and remove uneaten insects so they do not stress or bite the snake. Ask a reptile vet for a schedule for your species.
Feeding safety
- Never feed insects caught in treated lawns, gardens or roadsides.
- Wash your hands after handling feeders and snakes.
- Keep fresh water available at all times.
- Do not keep wild snakes. Check local laws before keeping any native species.
Frequently asked questions
Do garter snakes eat grasshoppers?
They can. Garter snakes eat many small animals, and grasshoppers are an occasional food, though worms and fish are more typical.
Can I feed my ball python grasshoppers?
No. Ball pythons eat rodents and do not need insects.
What do snakes eat in the wild?
It depends on the species. Many eat rodents, frogs, fish, eggs or insects.
Bottom Line
Only small, insect-eating snakes such as green snakes and some young snakes eat grasshoppers. Larger snakes eat rodents. If you feed insects, use clean, farm-raised, gut-loaded feeders, and ask a reptile vet about the diet for your snake’s species.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from a reptile veterinarian.
Related reading: What Do Rough Green Snakes Eat? and What Do Worm Snakes Eat?
