Earthworms & Nightcrawlers (Lumbricus terrestris): The Complete Feeder Profile

Earthworms & Nightcrawlers (Lumbricus terrestris): The Complete Feeder Profile

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Overview

Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) are among the most nutritionally complete feeders available, rivalling silkworms in their overall nutritional profile. They are a natural prey item for many amphibians, box turtles, and semi-aquatic species.

💪
62.2%
Protein (DM)

,

🧈
11%
Fat (DM)

,

🦴
44mg
Calcium/100g

,

⚖️
1:1.3
Ca:P Ratio

,

💧
78-84%
Moisture

,

🐛
None
Chitin

Nutritional Profile

Nutritional Breakdown — Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris)
Protein

62.2% DM
Excellent

,

Fat

11% DM
Excellent

,

Calcium

44mg/100g
Excellent

,

Ca:P Ratio

1:1.3
Excellent

,

Digestibility

None chitin
Excellent

Overall Feeder Rating
8/10
Excellent Feeder — Highly Recommended

Key Benefits

Exceptional nutritional profile: 62.2% protein (DM), only 11% fat, excellent calcium (44 mg), and a near-perfect Ca:P ratio (1:1.3). Completely soft-bodied with zero chitin. High moisture (78-84%) for hydration. A natural prey item — many species instinctively recognise and eagerly consume earthworms. Free to collect from your own garden if no pesticides are used.

Suitable Species

ℹ️
Suitability Guide

🟢 = Highly recommended   🔵 = Good choice   🟡 = Occasional use   🔴 = Not recommended

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Storage & Keeping

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Storage TipsKeep in a container of damp (not wet) soil or coir at 10-15°C. A fridge works well. Feed vegetable scraps. They will keep for several weeks with minimal care. Rinse before feeding to remove soil.

Limitations

⚠️
Things to ConsiderNot accepted by all reptile species — many lizards find them unappealing due to their texture and movement style. Can carry parasites if wild-caught from contaminated soil (e.g., gardens treated with pesticides or areas with high slug/snail populations carrying lungworm). Best purchased from a reputable bait or livefood supplier for safety.

References

  • Finke, M.D. (2002). “Complete nutrient composition of commercially raised invertebrates used as food for insectivores.” Zoo Biology, 21(3), 269–285.
  • Oonincx, D.G.A.B. & Dierenfeld, E.S. (2012). “An investigation into the chemical composition of alternative invertebrate prey.” Zoo Biology, 31(1), 40–54.
  • Wikipedia contributors. “Lumbricus terrestris.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Link

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