Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently brought my spotted turtles in and the filter that was in there pond outside. Upon cleaning the filter i found these .25 of an inch red worms. They seem to be multipling in the cage. Does anyone know if they are harmful or if they are simply a larvea of some sort. Thanks

I'd get rid of them or get a new filter, and watch the turtles closely. You may want to take a stool sample into the vet if you are lucky enough to get one - not an easy feat with water turtles.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes,

PHKiwi

If the pond is outside, they are probably mosquito larvae.
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0.1.0 snapping turtle
0.1.0 painted turtle
0.1.0 ornate box turtle
0.1.0 Australian shepard
3.2.0 children
1.0.0 husband

Chironomids are the larvae of a mosquito-like fly, often called the "Lake fly". The adults swarm in huge numbers near many lakes and ponds. The larvae are prime food for all aquatic predators and are not harmful in any way.