Can Salamanders Eat Beetles?

Western Long-toed Salamander on brown leaf

Salamanders are small, quiet predators that live in forests, wetlands, and gardens. They walk slowly through leaves and moss, waiting for something small to move nearby. If you’ve seen beetles crawling around outside, you might wonder if salamanders ever eat them. Yes, salamanders can eat beetles, but only if they are small, soft, and safe. … Read more

Can Salamanders Eat Bloodworms?

Blue-spotted Salamander Ambystoma laterale on a transparent floor

Salamanders are soft-bodied, slow-moving creatures that live quiet lives in forests, ponds, and damp corners of the world. Whether you keep one as a pet or just enjoy learning about them, it’s natural to wonder about their diet. Yes, salamanders can eat bloodworms. These tiny worms are a soft, nutritious food that many aquatic and … Read more

Do Salamanders Eat Algae?

Eastern Newt Notophthalmus viridescens swimming in water 3

Since salamanders often live in damp places where algae thrive, it’s easy to wonder if they eat it. You might picture a salamander licking at green slime or nibbling at pond scum and ask yourself if algae are part of their diet. No, salamanders do not eat algae. They are carnivores, which means they eat … Read more

Can Salamanders Eat Superworms?

Superworms

If you keep a salamander as a pet, you’ve probably spent some time exploring different feeding options. There are plenty of insects sold in pet stores, and one of the most eye-catching is the superworm. These long, wiggly larvae are full of energy and easy to find. Can salamanders eat superworms? Salamanders can eat superworms, … Read more

Can Salamanders Eat Ants?

Northern Two-lined Salamander Eurycea bislineata on wet ground

If you’ve ever watched a salamander creeping along the forest floor or hiding near a trail of busy insects, you might start to wonder what it’s looking for. So when you see one near ants, the question naturally comes up. Do salamanders eat ants? Yes, salamanders can eat ants, but ants are not a good … Read more

Can Salamanders Eat Fishfood?

Spotted Salamander Ambystoma maculatum in water

If you keep both fish and salamanders, or if you’re looking for a convenient feeding option, you might start to wonder whether fish food is safe for salamanders to eat. Salamanders can sometimes eat fish food, but it’s not recommended as their main diet. Most fish food lacks the nutrition salamanders need, and over time, … Read more

Can Salamanders Eat Mealworms?

Mealworms on an egg carton

Salamanders are fascinating little predators that mostly eat insects and other small invertebrates. If you have a pet salamander or you’re curious about what they eat, you might wonder whether mealworms are a good choice. Mealworms are popular feeder insects for many reptiles and amphibians, but are they safe and healthy for salamanders? Yes, many … Read more

Can Salamanders Climb Plastic?

Ringed Salamander Ambystoma annulatum on a yellow leaf

Salamanders are quiet, delicate creatures that live in moist forests, near streams, or under mossy logs. They usually stick to natural places where they can stay wet and safe. But when you keep a salamander as a pet, you might wonder if salamanders can climb plastic. Most salamanders cannot climb smooth plastic surfaces well. Their … Read more

Can Salamanders Climb Trees?

Coban Climbing Salamander Bolitoglossa helmrichi on a leaf 4

Salamanders are often seen as slow, quiet creatures that stick close to the ground. You might find them slipping through damp leaves or hiding beneath mossy logs. But sometimes, if you’re out in the woods, you might spot one on a tree trunk or even higher in the branches. That makes you wonder, can salamanders … Read more

Can Salamanders Change Gender?

Southern Long-toed Salamander larva 1

Salamanders are quiet, mysterious animals that live in cool forests, ponds, and damp ground.  One question that sometimes comes up is whether salamanders can change gender. The short answer is no. Most salamanders do not naturally change gender. Their sex is fixed once they mature. However, in rare or artificial situations (like exposure to pollution … Read more