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If you’ve ever wondered, ‘What do newts eat?’, you’re not alone. Newts, part of the salamander family, are quite the interesting species. As rising stars in the realm of household pets, these tiny reptiles showcase intriguing eating habits. Their diet varies considerably depending on whether they reside in water or on land. But what exactly makes up a newt’s menu? Let’s dive right into the fascinating world of newt dietary habits.
Understanding the Newt Diet
Newts are predatory creatures that relish live food. Mealworms, earthworms, tubifex worms, whiteworms, crickets, cockroaches, and grasshoppers are all delightful treats for these little reptiles. So, if you’ve been wondering ‘What do newts eat?’, live prey is the short answer. This type of fare should be provided at least three times a week.
Feeding Aquatic and Terrestrial Newts
Dietary preferences can differ depending on whether your newt is land-based or water-loving. Aquatic newts, for instance, have quite an appetite for fish. However, they often crave their food live and wiggling, to stimulate their digestive tracts. Thus, frozen brine shrimp might not be a hit. Instead, get ready to offer a menu of live worms.
Terrestrial newts too are partial to a wriggling worm or bug feast. Raising your own crickets to supplement their diet is a viable option. One might even accustom their water-based newt to fish food, reptile pellets or sticks with a dash of patience. However, live worms generally remain the favored delicacy for our newt friends, whether they’re terrestrial or aquatic.
The Fascinating Fun Facts
- Newts also enjoy a diet of mosquito larvae. Leaving a bucket of water in the yard until it becomes stagnant can attract these larvae. Monitor the progress closely though, as you don’t want a swarm of mosquitoes instead!
- You can purchase mealworms or black worms at pet stores, which can give your newt a taste of its natural diet.
- If nurtured properly, newts can live from fifteen up to an astonishing thirty years!
Remember, providing a diet similar to their wild diet will keep your newt in optimal health.
What Do Newts Eat: The Final Takeaway
In summary, being a newt owner means you’ll have to embrace the world of live food. Whether it’s mealworms, earthworms, or crickets, these reptiles relish live prey. So, if the sight of wriggling worms makes you squeamish, you might want to reconsider newts as pets. But if you’re adventurous and fascinated by these unique creatures, you’ll find them to be excellent companions.