Do Salamanders Eat Termites?

Spotted Salamander Ambystoma maculatum on a dry log 4

When you think of animals that eat termites, salamanders probably aren’t the first ones that come to mind. But they should be. These sneaky little amphibians are built to hunt anything that crawls, and termites definitely fit the bill. Yes, salamanders do eat termites. If termites are around and the salamander is the right size, … Read more

Do Salamanders Eat Shrimp?

Eastern Newt Notophthalmus viridescens swimming in water 2

If you’ve ever seen a salamander eat, you know they aren’t too picky. They snap at anything that moves and fits in their mouth. But shrimp? That’s something you usually think of in a seafood restaurant, not a salamander tank. Yes, salamanders do eat shrimp. Small freshwater shrimp are a natural food source for many … Read more

Do Owls Eat Salamanders?

Long toed salamander on the ground

Owls are quiet, skilled hunters that live in forests, fields, and wetlands all over the world. With sharp eyes, silent wings, and strong talons, they prey on many animals, mostly small mammals and insects. You might ask: do owls eat salamanders? Yes, Owls do eat salamanders, but not very often. Salamanders are not a major … Read more

What Do Newborn (hatchling) Salamanders Eat?

Tiger salamander larvae

Salamanders might look slow and peaceful, but their babies? They’re born ready to hunt. So if you’ve ever seen a salamander lay eggs or spotted tiny ones swimming around in a pond, you might wonder, what exactly do hatchlings eat? Newborn salamanders eat small, live prey like microscopic worms, water fleas, and insect larvae. They … Read more

Do Salamanders Eat Newts?

Eastern Newt Notophthalmus viridescens swimming in water

Salamanders may look gentle and slow, but when it comes to food, many of them are surprisingly bold. That leads to an interesting question, what happens when a salamander crosses paths with a newt? Yes, some salamanders do eat newts. If a newt is small enough to fit in a larger salamander’s mouth, it may … Read more

Do Salamanders Eat Nightcrawlers?

Blue-spotted salamander eating a worm

If you’ve ever watched a salamander hunt, you know they don’t waste time. A quick flick of the tongue, a snap of the jaws, and the meal is gone. But when it comes to bigger worms (like nightcrawlers) you might be wondering: are they too big? Yes, salamanders do eat nightcrawlers. These large earthworms are … Read more

Do Salamanders Eat Fruit?

Northwestern Salamander Ambystoma gracile on wet ground

Salamanders are fascinating amphibians known for their smooth skin, quiet behavior, and carnivorous diets. They spend much of their time hidden under logs, in leaf litter, or near streams where insects and small animals are easy to find. Still, some people wonder whether salamanders might also eat fruit. No, salamanders do not eat fruit. These … Read more

Do Salamanders Eat Moths?

Spotted Salamander Ambystoma maculatum on wet leaves

Salamanders are secretive amphibians that hunt for small invertebrates in their natural environments. Their diet is shaped by the species, their size, and whether they live in water or on land. Many people who observe salamanders at night or keep them as pets wonder: do salamanders eat moths? Yes, many salamanders eat moths, especially in … Read more

Do Salamanders Eat Maggots?

Brightly colored mud salamander

Salamanders are carnivorous amphibians with a wide range of feeding habits. They eat many kinds of small prey, from worms and insects to aquatic larvae. But when it comes to less common foods, some owners begin to ask new questions. One that comes up often is: do salamanders eat maggots? Yes, many salamanders will eat … Read more

Do Salamanders Eat Minnows?

Western waterdog Necturus Beyeri

Salamanders are mostly known for eating worms, insects, and other small invertebrates. But some species grow surprisingly large and live in water full of small fish. This leads many people to ask a common question: do salamanders eat minnows? Yes, some salamanders eat minnows, especially if they live in water and are large enough to … Read more