Can Salamanders Eat Earthworms?

Earthworms are soft-bodied, squirming creatures that live in soil, leaf litter, and under damp logs. Salamanders often live in the same places, hidden beneath rocks or crawling through the moist forest floor. If you’ve ever seen one near the other, you might wonder: can salamanders eat earthworms?

Yes, salamanders do eat earthworms, and they are actually one of the best foods you can offer them. Earthworms are soft, moist, full of nutrients, and easy to digest. Whether in the wild or in captivity, they are considered one of the safest, most nutritious prey items for salamanders of all sizes.

Earthworms Are a Natural Part of the Salamander’s Diet

Salamanders are insectivores and carnivores, which means they rely on small, soft-bodied prey for food.

In the wild, they forage at night or during damp weather, searching for worms, slugs, insects, larvae, and other tiny animals.

Earthworms live in the same kind of environment. They burrow in damp soil, hide under logs, and emerge during rainstorms.

Their presence makes them an easy and convenient food source for salamanders living nearby.

Research has shown that earthworms can compose more than 50% of a salamander’s total prey volume in areas where they are abundant.

Many species of salamanders, especially terrestrial ones, rely heavily on worms in their natural diet.  These species include:

• Eastern red-backed salamanders
• Spotted salamanders
• Tiger salamanders
• Slimy salamanders

Earthworms are especially important for salamanders that spend much of their life on land and hunt in the leaf litter.

Why Earthworms Are a Great Food Choice

Earthworms are one of the best foods for salamanders for several simple reasons:

• They are soft-bodied and flexible, which makes them easy to swallow.
• They are full of moisture, which helps keep salamanders hydrated.
• They are high in protein, which supports growth and energy.
• They are harmless and cannot fight back or injure the salamander.
• They are easy to find in clean soil or to buy from pet and bait stores.

Because salamanders swallow their prey whole, worms are especially suitable. There are no hard parts, spines, or biting jaws to worry about.

In fact, worms are often used as a baseline diet in both home care and research settings. They are considered one of the safest and most complete foods available.

Which Types of Earthworms Are Best?

There are many kinds of worms available, but not all are equally suitable for feeding to salamanders. Here are some of the most common options:

• European nightcrawlers (Eisenia hortensis): These worms are larger than red wigglers and are an excellent choice for medium to large salamanders. They do not have a strong odor and are easier to digest.
• Canadian nightcrawlers (Lumbricus terrestris): These are large earthworms often sold as fishing bait. They are rich in nutrients and very suitable for large adult salamanders. For juveniles or small species, cut them into smaller sections before feeding.

Avoid feeding worms from unknown or pesticide-treated soil. If you collect them yourself, be absolutely sure they are from a clean and chemical-free environment.

Feeding Earthworms in Captivity

Feeding earthworms to pet salamanders is simple and convenient. They are easy to handle, store, and offer. Follow these tips to make feeding safer and more effective:

• Use feeding tongs to hold the worm in front of your salamander. This reduces mess and makes it easier to guide the worm.
• Cut large worms into small pieces for young or small salamanders. This helps prevent choking or regurgitation.
• Feed at night or in low light conditions, when salamanders are naturally more active and ready to eat.
• Remove uneaten worms or worm parts after feeding. A worm that burrows and dies in the tank can spoil the substrate or attract mold.
• Worms can be kept in a small container with clean soil or coconut fiber. Feed them bits of vegetables like carrots or squash to keep them healthy and gut-loaded for your salamander.

How Often Should You Feed Earthworms?

Feeding frequency depends on the age, size, and activity level of your salamander. A general guide looks like this:

• Juveniles: Once per day or every other day, depending on appetite
• Adults: Two or three times per week

Earthworms can be used as a staple or base food. However, for best health and enrichment, it’s a good idea to rotate in other food types from time to time.

You can alternate with:

• Small crickets
• Waxworms or butterworms
• Dubia roaches (for larger salamanders)
• Bloodworms or blackworms (for aquatic or semi-aquatic species)

A varied diet provides a more balanced range of nutrients and helps prevent boredom.

Can Aquatic Salamanders Eat Earthworms Too?

Yes, many aquatic and semi-aquatic salamanders love earthworms just as much as their land-dwelling relatives.

Species like axolotls, sirens, mudpuppies, and amphiumas will eagerly eat worms offered at the surface or allowed to sink to the bottom.

Here’s how to feed them in water:

• Drop a clean worm into the water and let it sink near the salamander.
• Use feeding tongs to gently wiggle the worm in front of their face.
• If uneaten, remove the worm after 15 to 20 minutes to keep the water clean.

Worms are especially good for aquatic salamanders because they are high in protein, contain no hard exoskeletons, and mimic natural prey.

Are There Any Risks?

Earthworms are among the safest foods you can offer, but there are still a few basic precautions to keep in mind:

• Do not use worms from pesticide-treated soil. Lawn chemicals, herbicides, and other contaminants can build up in a worm’s body and harm your salamander.
• Do not overfeed. Too many worms at once can lead to bloating, regurgitation, or weight gain.
• Cut worms for small salamanders. Feeding worms that are too large can result in choking or digestive issues.

As long as worms are clean and the correct size, they are very low-risk. However, it’s worth noting that research has shown

How to Store and Keep Earthworms at Home

Earthworms are easy to store at home if you want to keep a supply for your salamander. You can either buy a small worm bin or create your own.

• Use a plastic container with ventilation holes, fill it with moist but not wet soil or coconut fiber, and add a handful of worms.
• Feed them small amounts of vegetable scraps like lettuce, squash, or carrot shavings. Avoid citrus or onion.
• Store the bin in a cool, dark place. If kept properly, worms can live for several weeks and continue breeding, giving you a steady supply of free food.
• Clean the bin occasionally to prevent odor and bacterial buildup.

What If Your Salamander Refuses Earthworms?

While most salamanders will readily eat earthworms, some individuals may hesitate, especially if they are used to more active prey.

To encourage feeding:

• Try offering a freshly rinsed worm using feeding tongs.
• Wiggle the worm slightly to simulate movement.
• Try feeding at night or in dim lighting.
• Cut the worm into smaller sections to reduce size and increase scent.

If your salamander still refuses, rotate in another prey item and try worms again later. Some individuals may just take time to adjust. .

Conclusion

Salamanders can eat earthworms, and most species do. Earthworms are soft, high in protein, and full of moisture, making them one of the best all-around foods for both wild and captive salamanders.

They are easy to find, easy to feed, and pose little risk when collected or purchased from clean, chemical-free environments.

Earthworms are suitable for terrestrial and aquatic salamanders alike and can be a long-term staple in a healthy amphibian diet.

As with any food, be sure to size them correctly, avoid contaminated sources, and provide some variety from time to time to keep your salamander healthy and thriving.