The salamanders correspond to a varied group of amphibian animals that belong to the order Caudata (Urodela), within which there are more than 700 species. These animals have certain common traits, however, at the same time they are very diverse, so that they vary from one group to another in relation to their physical traits, reproductive modes, development and habits.
This time, in this article on our site, we will only focus on explaining what salamanders eat, so read on to find out. discover in depth what their eating habits consist of.
Are salamanders carnivorous?
Salamanders are generally opportunistic predators, which makes them carnivorous animals. However, certain species consume algae and plants, so these are defined as omnivorous, but almost all species of salamanders are carnivorous This type of habit related to feeding is present even in the larval phase of the group. Remember that they are amphibians, so the larvae or baby salamanders also eat other animals in the aquatic environment depending on their size.
As these chordates consume mainly animal protein sources, they do not store large amounts of either fat or carbohydrates. Many species of salamanders have teeth, which are present even in the larvae, an important trait for the type of diet they eat. The teeth of the larval form can be more conical and pointed, while in adults they are less sharp and change to a bicuspid shape. These cusps are believed to be flexible, so they resist prey attempts to escape.
It is common for terrestrial salamanders to use their tongue to help capture food, while aquatic species can catch food by suction, quickly opening their jaws to create a vacuum that draws food towards mouth.
What do aquatic salamanders eat?
There are different types of salamanders, so some live in the aquatic environment and others on land. The salamanders feed is opportunistic, that is, they take advantage of those prey that they can consume depending on their size and that are in the habitat where they develop. In this sense, these predators hunt a variety of other animals depending on the species. Therefore, let's learn below specific examples of what aquatic salamanders eat:
Feeding of the black-bellied salamander (Desmognathus quadramaculatus)
This species of salamander has mainly aquatic habits, developing in certain streams in the United States. Its larvae can feed on other smaller ones and, as they grow, although they remain in the water, their diet, in addition to aquatic animals, also includes others on land or in the air, since comes out of the water to hunt Thus, the black-bellied salamander eats:
- waterworms
- crabs
- larvae
- Diptera flies
- caddisflies
- maybe
- stoneflies
- spiders
- centipede
- butterflies
- bees
- moths
When food availability is scarce, this salamander may devour others, since it is often an aggressive hunter.
Feeding of the Mexican salamander (Ambystoma mexicanum)
The axolotl corresponds to the type of mole salamander. Depending on the species, this group of amphibians of the Ambystoma genus may have exclusively aquatic habits or share them with outlets to the terrestrial environment. For example, the Mexican axolotl lives permanently in fresh water and is an active predator that consumes various types of animals, eating almost everything it manages to catch In this meaning, it feeds on molluscs, fish, various arthropods and worms. To capture the prey it does so by suction, generating a vacuum that brings the food to the mouth.
Get to know the different types of axolotls that exist in this other article.
Feeding amphiumas
Here we find a group of three species of aquatic salamanders that look like eels. They are also characterized by being active predators that consume:
- River Crabs
- molluscs like snails
- fishes
- water snakes
- insects
- other amphibians, including the species itself
It has been reported that this type of salamander stalks its prey until they are close to attack. Its hunting behavior is similar to that of crocodiles, biting and tearing at the victim while turning.
Giant salamander feeding
In this type of salamander we have species with immense sizes, which also have aquatic habits. Like the above, they are carnivorous and eat fish, crayfish, snails, worms and also prey on other salamanders. Cryptobranchs, as they are also known, have the peculiarity that, although they can feed by suction, they manage to use only one side of the jaw at a time, making an asymmetrical type of suction.
In the image we can see the Japanese giant salamander.
Siren Power
Sirens are salamanders that are classified, on the one hand, as carnivores and, on the other, as omnivores, but they are also mud consumers, which would include them as detritivores. In certain cases, the consumption of vegetables or algae is reported as incidental when catching prey.
The animal diet of these salamanders includes a wide variety of small aquatic individuals, larvae, other salamanders and even their own eggs Because they inhabit generally cloudy waters, with abundant vegetation and have small eyes, it is estimated They detect their food through chemical signals.
What do land salamanders eat?
Next, let's now learn about the diet of certain species of salamanders with terrestrial habits as an example to better understand what these animals eat:
Idaho giant salamander (Dicamptodon aterrimus) feeding
This species is amphibious in habit, that is, the larvae have exclusively aquatic development, while the adults generally live on land, but in areas associated with bodies of water. It is an omnivorous species that as it grows it diversifies its food, thus, the young eat insects and small plants, while the adults include, in addition to these, the following foods:
- arachnids
- small mammals
- little snakes
- your own larvae
- snails
- branches
- larger plants
Feeding of the spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)
This species is a type of mole salamander, but unlike others, although the larvae are aquatic, the adults are usually underground or on logs above ground. The larvae are very aggressive and active in hunting small prey such as insects, brachiopods, and fairy shrimp. As they grow, they also include other animals such as isopods, amphipods, large insects, and tadpoles In times of scarcity, they can be cannibalistic.
As an adult, this salamander catches worms, snails, slugs, spiders, insects, centipedes and other smaller salamanders. This species relies on its sticky tongue to catch food.
Feeding of the black spotted salamander (Aneides flavipunctatus)
It is another species with mainly terrestrial and even arboreal habits. Regarding the diet of this salamander, the juvenile forms usually consume insects, but as they grow they also include certain invertebrates such asmillipedes, beetles and extend the range of insects by eating ants and termites.
Claw salamander feeding
We found another group of species of the Onychodactylus genus, which have mainly terrestrial habits that are associated with ecosystems with the presence of water. These salamanders are carnivores that eat insects, spiders, and larvae, but as they grow they turn to larger arthropod prey.
Feeding of lungless salamanders
Within this group of salamanders we find a great variety of species, several with exclusively terrestrial habits, as is the case of the arboreal salamander (Aneides lugubris), which consumes crickets, termites and other invertebratesIt is common to find species in this group that use their tongue as a projectile to capture food.
Now that you know what salamanders eat and some specific examples, tell us, what has surprised you the most? Do not hesitate to continue learning and, for any questions, do not forget to leave your comment.
