Introduction

Aphids ( order: Homoptera): Aphids, or Plant Lice, are tiny insects that feed on plant life. They are considered parasites by gardeners.

Aphids can be offered to newly morphed, terrestrial amphibians, however, they are not always accepted. Aphids are not recommended as a food source in planted terrariums, as they will become established and possibly destroy healthy plant life. Also, they can easily escape through screen lids and establish themselves on house plants, so caution must be used with this food item in some situations. On the other hand, if these issues are not a factor, and they are accepted by newly morphed amphibians, aphids make a convenient and hassle-free food source. Aphids are often collected from outdoors, but keep in mind that insects collected from the wild may have been exposed to insecticides or other chemicals that may harm amphibians if consumed. It is always safer to purchase cultured foods, or culture them yourself.

For more information on aphids and aphid control, the University of Kentucky Entymology Department has a useful article at: uky.edu/Agriculture/Entomology/entfacts/fldcrops/ef103.htm

Live blood worms are difficult to find, but are commonly available in the frozen form. Frozen blood worms should be thawed before feeding to amphibians. Keep in mind that not all amphibians will accept frozen foods, either.

*Useless Fact: Brine Shrimp are commonly sold as children's pets in Sea Monkey Kits. The 'eggs' sold in these kits are actually dormant Artemia cysts containing an embryo in a suspended state of metabolism, known as diapause. Artemia cysts can remain in this suspended state for several years, until the cysts are re-hydrated with highly saline water.

Crickets can also cause digestion problems, such as impaction and gastric overload. These problems occur when amphibians consume too many crickets at once, which may not be digested thoroughly, or may sit in the gut and putrefy. For more information on amphibian nutritional disorders, see article 0001 - Common Amphibian Ailments. 

The size of the crickets should be chosen according to the size of the amphibians mouth. There is no exact science to the age of the crickets compared to the size of the amphibian, however, it is important to provide crickets that are not too big to be captured and swallowed, and not too small to continually escape. Dead crickets should be removed from amphibian tanks regularly to avoid waste accumulation. Keep in mind that large crickets are carnivorous and opportunistic, and can bite small amphibians, as well. Because of this, and the fact that crickets produce a large amount of waste, any uneaten crickets should be removed from the tank after a sufficient feeding time has passed.

Crickets live for approximately 7 weeks, and will grow very fast in the first few weeks of life. Adult males have large wings, and will incessantly "chirp" at night. Crickets should be stored in plastic containers/tubs with a lid and air holes. Packing Tape can be placed around the inside edge of the container to prevent the crickets from climbing up the sides and escaping. Egg crates, or other objects, should be included in their container so that smaller crickets can avoid being eaten by larger crickets. Crickets prefer warmer temps (75°F-85°F), but are very hardy and can withstand cooler temps if necessary. Raising crickets is relatively easy, if you don't mind the occasional escapee.

Because of their tiny size, copepods are typically fed to newly hatched aquatic larvae. Freshwater copepods can be collected from ponds, streams, creeks, and even phytotelmata in some areas. They can also be purchased through most biological supply companies. 

Keep in mind that organisms collected from the wild may have been exposed to harmful chemicals that  can affect amphibians if consumed. It is always safer to purchase cultured foods, or culture them yourself.

Daphnia (Daphnia spp.): Daphnia, also called water fleas, are small crustaceans that live near the surface of freshwater ponds. They have long antennae used for jumping movements, and are capable of thriving in oxygen-poor waters due to their ability to synthesize hemoglobin. Daphnia feed on bacteria, yeast, microalgae, detritus, and dissolved organic matter (daphnia.com).

Daphnia are an ideal food for larval amphibians, and can be purchased from most Biological Supply companies. The most common species are Daphnia magna, and Daphnia pulex. D. magna are 1-3 mm long, and D. pulex are approximately 1/4 this size.

Earthworms & Nightcrawlers (Lumbricus spp.): Terrestrial annelid worms of the class Oligochaeta, especially those of the family Lumbricidae, that burrow into and help aerate and enrich soil.

Earthworms are typically too large for most amphibians to eat whole, and should be chopped into bite-sized pieces with a razor or scissors. Also, if fed whole, earthworms will usually manage to bury themselves in the substrate before they're discovered and eaten (except with larger species). Most species will respond to the smell of earthworms when left in their tank, however, some may be more persuaded to take them if dangled in front of their nose with forceps. Many anurans will not accept earthworms, especially treefrogs or others that depend mainly on eyesight for hunting.  

Most species of earthworm can be fed to terrestrial, aquatic, semi-aquatic, and newly metamorphosed amphibians. However, some earthworms, such as red worms, produce a foul, odorous mucus that is distasteful to amphibians. Such worms are usually rejected by amphibians.

Freeze dried foods are not recommended, as they typically do not provide proper nourishment. However, Rangen, Inc. brand salmon pellets are an excellent food source commonly feed to aquatic and semi-aquatic amphibians. These are "soft-moist" pellets that are easy to digest by amphibians. Rangen, Inc. brand pellets can be purchased through the Indiana University Axolotl Colony. As with all non-living foods, some amphibians will not accept even the Rangen brand salmon pellets.

Fly Larvae/Maggots (Diptera): Fly Larva are approximately 1cm in length, and can be fed to small and medium sized amphibians. Fly larvae are astonishingly resilient and have been known to cause digestive problems in some amphibian species (National Academic Press). If whole, undigested fly larvae are seen excreted, they should not be included in the diet. However, fly larvae are high in protein, and can be used in moderation if abnormal excretions are not observed. 

Fly larvae can be fed to terrestrials, semi-aquatics, and aquatics. One drawback to fly larvae is that they can bury themselves in substrate, even gravel, before they are eaten. When they bury themselves in soil, they will morph into adult flies, and when they bury into aquatic gravel, they will die and potentially create high ammonia levels.

Fly larvae can be purchased online (Grubco.com is a reputable company), and will last for months in the refrigerator.

The most common species sold are Drosophila melanogaster, and Drosophila hydei. D. melanogaster are slightly smaller than a black ant, and D. hydei are approximately 4-5 times the size of D. melanogaster. Fruit flies can be fed to new morphs, larger morphs, juveniles, smaller adult amphibians, advanced larvae, Dendrobates, and other small species.

Mealworms (Tenebrionidae) : Mealworms, the larvae of the Darkling Beetle, are worm-like in appearance and somewhat hardened for burrowing, with a life cycle is 3-5 months. In the larval stage, they may molt 9-20 times (Darkling Beetle/Mealworms). Mealworms are typically fed to larger amphibians (tigers, mandarins, dicamptodons, giant waxies, white's tree frogs etc.).

Mealworms are capable of chewing their way through the stomach of the animal that has consumed them if their mandibles are still in tact when swallowed. If mealworms are included in your amphibians diet, it is a good idea to crush the mandibles prior to feeding.

Mosquito egg rafts and larvae are typically fed to small aquatic amphibian larvae. The rafts can be laid on the surface of the water, where they would be deposited in the wild. Most small amphibians will consume the eggs, as well as the hatching mosquito larvae. Some amphibians will also consume the pupa if allowed to develop further. 

Mosquito eggs usually hatch within 48 hours of deposition. The larvae live in the water, but breathe air. They will spend their time hanging from the waters surface, making them easy targets for larval amphibians.

Paramecium (Paramecium spp.): Belonging to the kingdom Protista, Paramecium are small unicellular organisms found in abundance in freshwater ponds. Under suitable conditions Paramecium may reproduce by dividing two or three times a day and so large numbers can accumulate in the proper environment (Micscape: Article on Paramecium). Paramecium are typically fed to newly hatched amphibians, and can be collected by skimming the top of a natural pond or lake and collecting the top inch or so of water, or purchased from most Biological Supply companies. Keep in mind that organisms collected from the wild may have been exposed to harmful chemicals that may affect amphibians if consumed. It is always safer to purchase cultured foods, or culture them yourself.

Pill bugs can be collected from almost any outdoor habitat, and are usually accepted by medium-sized terrestrial amphibians, and some arboreal species. Keep in mind that organisms collected from the wild may have been exposed to harmful chemicals that may affect amphibians if consumed. It is always safer to purchase cultured foods, or culture them yourself. Pill bugs can also be purchased in mass from most biological supply stores, and some bait and tackle stores.

Flour Beetles are approximately 3 mm long, are are typically fed to newly morphed amphibians, or smaller species, such as Dendrobates and Mantella. The larvae will reach approximately 1/8 - 1/4 inch long, and can also be fed to new morphs. They are easily cultured using flour or oatmeal as a substrate. Females may lay up to 500 eggs over a lifetime. Larvae will mature into adulthood after 2-4 months, so a flourishing culture may take a while to establish. 

Like copepods and Daphnia, scuds are typically fed to larval amphibians, and can also be collected by skimming the surface of a clean pond, stream, or creek, or purchased from most biological supply companies. Keep in mind that organisms collected from the wild may have been exposed to harmful chemicals that may affect amphibians if consumed. It is always safer to purchase cultured foods, or culture them yourself.

Slugs: Slugs are a common meal for wild amphibians, especially those in the temperate zones. Slugs can be collected and fed to larger amphibians, especially those terrestrials that require slower moving prey. Keep in mind that insects collected from the wild may have been exposed to insecticides or other chemicals that may harm amphibians if consumed. It is always safer to purchase cultured foods, or culture them yourself.

Springtails: coming soon....

Tubifex worms are one of the most common food items fed to aquatic and semi-aquatic newts and salamanders, as they are readily available and accepted. They can be collected in the wild by sifting the mud in shallow ponds or lakes, or purchased from most any fish or pet store. There are a few things to watch out for when feeding live worms, however. Uneaten live worms will live in the tank, under the gravel where amphibians can't reach them. They will live, die, and multiply under the substrate, which will create a spike in ammonia and nitrite levels that is fairly difficult to correct. One way to prevent this is to place the worms in a small container and sink the container in the water. Amphibians will be able to go in and out to eat, but the worms will remain in the container, in theory. In reality, there are always a few escapees, so frequent water chemistry tests are advisable if worms are included in an amphibians diet. Micro fish bowls made for betas work well for food containers because they are clear, which allows the amphibians to see the worms' movement, and they sink. Also, tubifex have been known to create gas in the stomach of some amphibians, especially new morphs. For this reason, they should not be fed as a staple food.

Tubifex worms should be stored in the refrigerator in a small container with a lid and air holes, and covered approximately 3/4 of the way in water. The water will need to be refreshed daily to preserve the lives of the worms.

Waxworms (Pyralidae): Waxworms are the larvae of the moth Galleria mellonella, belonging to the subfamily Galleriinae of the family Pyralidae, in which the females characteristically lay their eggs in beehives (Bartleby.com). 

Waxworms range in size from 1 cm to 1.5 in in length, and provide a nutritious and fattening treat for many amphibians. They are slow moving, and may be overlooked by amphibians who hunt by eye sight alone, so feeding with forceps may be necessary with some species. Waxworms will develop into small moths if left long enough, so a container with a lid and air holes is necessary.

Waxworms can be fed to aquatic, semi-aquatic, and terrestrials simply by dropping the worms in the water (they will float), on the substrate in front to the amphibian, or by using forceps to place the worm directly in front of the amphibians snout. For terrestrials, the forceps method usually is more effective, as wax worms can burrow into the substrate fairly quickly.

Waxworms should be stored between 50°F-60°F degrees to decrease mortality. Waxworms should not be used as a staple diet for amphibians, as they are very high in fat.

THIS ARTICLE IS A WORK IN PROGRESS; ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS ADDED WHEN AVAILABLE ...

References:

Quarles, Jim E. Blood Worms: To be or not to be a worm. http://www.dph.nl/sub-article/cat-01/bloodworms.shtml (Accessed: 2002).