Ladybugs are small, slow, and brightly colored. They crawl through gardens and forests, often landing on leaves or climbing over rocks. Since salamanders live in a lot of the same places and eat small insects, you might wonder, do they go after ladybugs too?
Salamanders might try to eat ladybugs, but they usually avoid them once they taste or smell them. Ladybugs don’t look very threatening, but they’re not easy prey. These little beetles have a strong chemical defense that makes them taste bad to most predators.
Salamanders hunt mostly by smell and movement, so they might lunge at one, but after that first bite, they often spit it right back out.
What Do Salamanders Usually Eat?
Salamanders are insect eaters. Most of them feed on soft-bodied prey that crawls slowly or wriggles in the water.
A typical diet includes:
- Earthworms
- Grubs
- Slugs
- Small flies
- Spiders
- Ants
- Beetle larvae
They go after things that move just enough to catch their attention, but not so fast that they get away. Salamanders don’t chew their food.
They swallow it whole. So they tend to avoid hard, crunchy insects or anything that puts up too much of a fight.
Are Ladybugs Easy for Salamanders to Catch?
Yes, ladybugs are slow and don’t hide very well.
Their bright red or orange shells aren’t for camouflage. They’re a warning sign. The color tells predators that they’re not worth eating. It’s nature’s way of saying, “You won’t like this.”
But salamanders don’t always recognize that warning at first. If a ladybug moves in just the right way, a salamander might snap at it out of instinct. Especially if it’s hungry, or if the bug is close by.
Once the ladybug is in its mouth, though, that’s when the problems start.
Why Ladybugs Taste So Bad
Ladybugs are one of the few bugs that are actually known for their flavor, and not in a good way.
When they feel threatened, they release a bright yellow fluid from their legs. This is called reflex bleeding, and the liquid contains a mix of alkaloids that taste bitter and smell terrible. Most predators that get a mouthful learn very quickly not to try again.
The liquid can irritate the mouth, cause nausea, or just taste so bad that it gets spit out immediately. Even animals that normally eat beetles usually leave ladybugs alone.
Salamanders, with their sensitive tongues and simple digestive systems, don’t handle that well at all.
Will a Salamander Eat a Ladybug More Than Once?
Not likely.
Many salamanders hunt by scent, not by sight. Once they’ve had one bad experience, they tend to avoid the smell of ladybugs in the future.
There are some exceptions. Very young salamanders might try more than once before they figure it out. And some might swallow a ladybug completely by accident. But most will learn quickly and won’t go near another one.
It’s kind of like biting into something that tastes like soap. Once is enough.
Are Ladybugs Harmful to Salamanders?
They can be.
Besides tasting bad, some types of ladybugs carry toxins that can irritate the digestive system. If a salamander manages to swallow one whole, it might end up with stomach problems. It’s not usually fatal, but it can cause vomiting, bloating, or refusal to eat afterward.
Also, wild ladybugs may have come into contact with pesticides. If a salamander eats one, it might accidentally ingest harmful chemicals too.
That’s why even in captivity, it’s better not to offer ladybugs at all.
What About Asian Lady Beetles?
This is where things get even trickier.
Asian lady beetles look a lot like regular ladybugs, but they’re a bit bigger, more aggressive, and more likely to invade homes. They also have a much stronger chemical defense. These beetles are known to bite, and their secretions can stain skin and irritate the eyes.
If a salamander eats one, the effects could be more serious. These beetles have a sharper smell and higher toxin levels than common native ladybugs.
So while regular ladybugs are already a bad choice, Asian lady beetles are even worse.
Has Anyone Seen a Salamander Eat a Ladybug?
There are a few scattered reports of salamanders grabbing ladybugs in the wild, usually by mistake.
Researchers who study amphibian diets have occasionally found beetle shells in stomach contents, but it’s hard to tell if those beetles were ladybugs or something else. The general belief is that ladybugs aren’t a regular part of any salamander’s diet.
In captivity, some salamander owners have seen their pets bite at a ladybug and then immediately spit it out. The reaction is usually quick and clear: they don’t like it.
So while it’s possible, it’s not common, and it doesn’t usually end with the bug getting eaten.
What If a Salamander Accidentally Eats One?
If your salamander eats a ladybug once, it will probably be fine, but keep an eye on it.
You might notice signs like:
- Lack of appetite
- Odd behavior
- Regurgitation
- Lethargy
These signs don’t always show up, but if they do, they usually pass within a day or two. Offer clean water, keep the habitat humid, and avoid feeding again until your salamander acts normal.
If it swallows more than one, or if it stops eating for several days, you may want to check with a vet that knows amphibians.
Should You Ever Feed Ladybugs on Purpose?
No.
Even though salamanders are opportunistic feeders and might go after anything that moves, ladybugs are not a safe or nutritious food.
They’re hard-shelled, full of toxins, and likely to cause stomach irritation. They don’t offer much in the way of vitamins or protein, and they’re not worth the risk.
There are far better feeders out there that are softer, safer, and easier to digest.
What Are Better Insect Choices?
If you’re looking for feeders that are roughly the same size as ladybugs but much safer, here are a few options:
- Fruit flies: Perfect for small salamanders and juveniles. Soft, slow, and easy to find.
- Small crickets: Best when gut-loaded with nutritious food beforehand.
- Isopods: Also known as “rolly-pollies.” Nutritious and safe in moderation.
- Mealworm pieces: Only if cut into small chunks. Whole ones are too tough.
- Earthworms: Always a favorite. Soft, wiggly, and packed with moisture.
Stick to foods that are soft-bodied and have no toxic defenses. Your salamander will be happier and healthier in the long run.
Why Do Salamanders Avoid Some Insects?
It mostly comes down to instinct and experience.
Salamanders rely heavily on scent when hunting. If something smells wrong or tastes bitter, they’re not likely to eat it a second time.
Some insects have evolved to use this to their advantage. Bright colors, strong smells, and chemical secretions all act as warnings. Ladybugs are a perfect example. They advertise their danger up front, and once an animal learns the lesson, it rarely forgets.
Salamanders don’t reason things out, but their bodies learn fast. A bad meal usually leads to better choices later.
Conclusion
Salamanders might try to eat ladybugs, but most won’t eat them more than once, and some avoid them altogether.
Ladybugs look like easy prey, but they have strong chemical defenses that make them taste terrible. They’re not toxic enough to kill a salamander in most cases, but they can cause discomfort, stomach upset, or a loss of appetite.
Whether in the wild or in captivity, salamanders tend to stick to softer, safer foods. If a ladybug happens to crawl too close, the salamander might strike, but that’s usually followed by a quick spit and a shake of the head.
If you keep salamanders, it’s best not to offer ladybugs at all. Stick to food that’s safe, nutritious, and easy to digest. Your salamander will thank you for it.
Hi, my name is Ezra Mushala, i have been interested animals all my life. I am the main author and editor here at snakeinformer.com.