Salamander's Diet
Salamanders are nocturnal amphibians with a carnivorous diet. Some species of salamanders live their entire lives in water, while others are terrestrial and some live on both land and in waterways. All salamanders need moisture for survival, making their diet revolve around food sources in damp environments. Small teeth allow the clawless creatures to eat a variety of insects, worms and other salamanders.
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Natural Foods
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Salamanders spend time under rocks and logs near waterways in cool, moist areas. These hiding places are also home to centipedes, spiders and insects that provide a natural food source for salamanders. Terrestrial salamanders, such as the long-tailed salamander, eat a diet of arthropods, invertebrates, terrestrial insects and worms. Found on the underside of rocks and logs, the Northern Spring Salamander enjoys dining on other salamanders. Earthworms, invertebrates and snails are also on the menu, according to the Montgomery County Maryland Department of Environmental Protection.
Offspring Foods
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Salamanders produce offspring in a three-step process. First the male deposits a sperm-atophore, or small sack of sperm encased in a jelly substance, on the bottom of a water pool. Next, the female salamander discovers the sperm and carefully retrieves it with her cloaca. Fertilization then happens inside her. Finally, the fertilized eggs are released under branches for protection. The developing offspring dine on algae in the egg mass. Once born, the offspring feed on tiny pond animals until they reach maturity and seek additional food sources on land.
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Captive Diet
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When kept in captivity in museums or zoos, salamanders eat a diet closely replicating their natural food sources. Earthworms, small fish (minnows), crickets, flies, beetles and tadpoles are easily obtained and fed to the amphibians, according to the Chicago Zoological Society.
Process
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Salamanders hunt slow-moving food sources. Once caught, their sharp teeth constrain the food, then chew. Salamanders may also use a protruding tongue to grasp their prey, such as flies, according to the San Diego Zoo.
Interesting Fact
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As salamanders grow, they shed their skins. It is not uncommon to see a salamander tug at the loose skin with their teeth, aiding in the shedding process. Salamanders then eat the old skin.
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References
- Montgomery County, Maryland Department of Environmental Protection: Salamanders and Newts
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry: Salamanders of New York
- Chicago Zoological Society: Brookfield Zoo, Barred Tiger Salamander
- Enchanted Learning: Salamander
- San Diego Zoo: Amphibians, Salamander & Newt
Resources
- Photo Credit salamander image by Wojciech Gajda from Fotolia.com
