Earthworms
Lumbricus terrestris
Also known as: nightcrawlers, red worms, fishing worms
Safety by species
Eastern Box Turtle
Terrapene carolina
Excellent protein source eagerly taken by box turtles. Especially important for juveniles.
Red-footed Tortoise
Chelonoidis carbonarius
Excellent protein source. Critical for neurological health — purely plant-based red-footed tortoises develop hind-leg paralysis. Feed captive-raised worms only.
Red-eared Slider
Trachemys scripta elegans
Excellent natural protein source. Eagerly eaten by all aquatic turtle species. Use captive-raised.
Painted Turtle
Chrysemys picta
Excellent natural protein source. Eagerly eaten by all aquatic turtle species. Use captive-raised.
Yellow-bellied Slider
Trachemys scripta scripta
Excellent natural protein source. Eagerly eaten by all aquatic turtle species. Use captive-raised.