Effects of Sex and Whole Life Cycle UVB Irradiation on Performance and Mineral and Vitamin D3 Contents in Feeder Crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus)

Captive insectivore nutrition is challenging due to the differing nutritional profiles of wild and captive diets an incomplete understanding both. Ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiation has recently been explored as a means improving prey-insect vitamin D3 Ca content. Although short-term irradiation successful in some species, it unsuccessful black field crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus)—a commonly cultured feeder insect. We exposed UVB from hatchling adult stages measured mineral contents by sex. did not detect (detection limit 0.5 iU/g) or effect on content under either UV+ UV− conditions. identified large differences between sexes Ca, K, Mg P (females higher) Cu, Fe, S Zn (males higher), likely linked reproductive investment. The do straddle minimum recommended concentrations minerals for vertebrate growth thus may be most relevant animal contexts particular sensitivity need. demonstrate UV-linked trade-off cricket performance individual size numbers produced characterise energy costs associated with provision. Our results support use lighting G. bimaculatus improve but previously unreported this species.