ABSTRACT

This report describes two separate occurrences of stomach perforation and morbidity in tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) after consumption of a whole live nightcrawler (Lumbricus terrestris). Nightcrawlers are commonly fed to captive tiger salamanders, however, they are non-native and are therefore not natural prey species. Additionally, the typical response of nightcrawlers to noxious environments, mucus production and burrowing, may facilitate gastric perforation in predators. These findings suggest that it may be safer to feed portions rather than whole earthworms to salamanders.