Mosquitoes are known for their annoying bites, but before they start buzzing around, they begin life as tiny wiggling larvae in water. Since salamanders often live in ponds and streams, especially when they’re young, it makes sense to wonder, do they eat those larvae?
Yes, many salamanders eat mosquito larvae, especially when they are still young or living in water. Mosquito larvae are soft, easy to catch, and full of protein. They wiggle near the surface of the water, which triggers a salamander’s hunting instinct.
Both larvae and adult aquatic salamanders will eat mosquito larvae when they get the chance. It’s not their only food, but it’s a welcome snack.
What Are Mosquito Larvae?
Mosquito larvae are the baby stage of mosquitoes. They hatch from eggs laid in water and live there for several days before turning into pupae, and then into adults.
These larvae are small, thin, and constantly moving.
They wiggle around in the water and often hang upside down at the surface to breathe through a small air tube. Because of this movement, they’re easy targets for aquatic predators.
They don’t bite or fly, but they feed on tiny bits of organic material in the water. In large numbers, they can quickly take over puddles, ponds, birdbaths, and even slow-moving streams.
Why Salamanders Go After Them
Salamanders are opportunistic feeders. That means they eat whatever they can find, as long as it fits in their mouth and seems worth the effort.
Mosquito larvae check all the right boxes:
- They’re soft-bodied, which makes them easy to swallow.
- They’re small, so even tiny salamander larvae can eat them.
- They wiggle, which triggers a salamander’s feeding response.
- They live in water, right where many salamanders start their lives.
For salamanders that are still in their larval stage or ones that live fully in water as adults, mosquito larvae are a common and easy food source.
Which Salamanders Eat Mosquito Larvae?
Most aquatic salamanders and young larvae eat mosquito larvae if they’re available.
This includes:
- Axolotls: Fully aquatic salamanders that snap up anything that moves.
- Tiger salamander larvae: Start life in ponds and feed on anything they can swallow, including mosquito larvae.
- Eastern newts (in aquatic stage): Known to eat mosquito larvae in the wild.
- Mudpuppies and sirens: Live in water and often feed on small aquatic creatures.
Even salamanders that eventually live on land start life in water and spend the first few weeks or months eating whatever they can find, and that often includes mosquito larvae.
Research has shown that tiger salamander larvae can eat up to 144 mosquito larvae per day, showing just effective they are as natural pest controllers.
How Do They Catch Them?
Aquatic salamanders and larvae use suction to feed. When prey gets close, they open their mouths quickly and pull in a rush of water, along with anything in it.
Mosquito larvae don’t stand a chance. They move constantly, and if they get too close, they’ll be sucked in before they realize what happened.
Some salamander larvae even develop sharp little teeth to help them grab prey better while they grow.
Do Land-Based Salamanders Eat Mosquito Larvae?
Not usually.
Once a salamander leaves the water and becomes a land-dweller, it stops eating mosquito larvae. At that point, it goes after bugs like ants, beetles, and spiders instead.
That said, during rainy seasons or after heavy storms, land salamanders might return to flooded areas. If mosquito larvae are present, they could be eaten by accident. But it’s not common.
It’s mostly the aquatic ones (or the young ones still in water) that go after mosquito larvae.
Are Mosquito Larvae Nutritious?
Yes, they are.
They’re full of protein and fat, which helps growing salamanders build muscle and energy. In the wild, mosquito larvae are a natural part of many amphibians’ diets, along with other aquatic invertebrates.
In captivity, freeze-dried or frozen mosquito larvae (often sold as bloodworms) are used to feed young salamanders and aquatic species. They’re easy to digest, safe, and help promote growth.
Can Salamanders Help Control Mosquito Populations?
They can help, but they probably won’t eliminate them completely.
If you have a natural pond or wet area with both salamanders and mosquito larvae, the salamanders will definitely eat some of them. Especially if you’ve got tiger salamanders, eastern newts, or other aquatic species living there.
But mosquitoes breed fast, and they lay hundreds of eggs at a time. A few salamanders might slow them down, but they probably won’t keep the entire population under control on their own.
Still, they’re a helpful piece of the puzzle when it comes to natural pest control.
Can You Feed Mosquito Larvae to Pet Salamanders?
Yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Safe options include:
- Frozen mosquito larvae: Sold as “bloodworms” in most pet stores.
- Live mosquito larvae from clean water: If you raise them yourself indoors in clean, untreated water.
- Freeze-dried versions: Less messy, but not quite as nutritious.
Avoid:
- Wild-caught larvae from puddles or ponds that may contain pesticides or pollution.
- Larvae from areas with risk of disease or parasites.
- Feeding only larvae without variety. A salamander’s diet should include more than just one type of prey.
Feeding mosquito larvae as part of a varied diet is perfectly fine, especially for younger salamanders or aquatic types.
How to Offer Mosquito Larvae in a Tank
If you’re feeding frozen or live mosquito larvae to a pet salamander, here’s how to do it:
- Thaw frozen larvae if using bloodworms. Rinse them first in a small amount of tank water.
- Use a feeding dish or pipette to place them in front of your salamander.
- Drop them near your salamander while it’s alert and ready to eat.
- Clean up leftovers after feeding time. Uneaten larvae can spoil the water quickly.
They can also be used as a treat or supplement rather than the main meal.
What Other Aquatic Insects Do Salamanders Eat?
Mosquito larvae are just one of many small water creatures salamanders will eat.
Others include:
- Daphnia (water fleas)
- Copepods
- Tiny shrimp
- Small snails
- Fly larvae
- Aquatic worms
Salamanders don’t really care what the insect is, as long as it moves and fits in their mouth. If it wiggles, it’s probably food.
Conclusion
Yes, salamanders eat mosquito larvae, especially while they’re young and still living in water.
Mosquito larvae are soft, small, and easy to catch. They’re not the main food source for salamanders, but they’re definitely a regular snack in the wild, and a useful part of the diet for aquatic species in captivity.
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.