Revolutionary new food item! :D

[Zephyr]

So my mind got to ticking... Why are there so many garters in the one small area I herp? They defy traffic, human disruption, and gravity *always at the crest of the hill* for one thing: food. A further examination of the area reveals the following:
Amphibians- N/A. No breeding pools, no population.
Fish- N/A Local river high in metals, low count of small fish but high in junk fish too large for garter consumption.
Worms- ... Plentiful.
So I did a quick herping *worming, I should say. :P* trip to the area and dug up some leaves from the forest floor. Bingo. A species of worm I'd never seen before. Most specimens were large; 3+ inches. And the catchy trait; The squirm and wiggle, like a salamander, often dropping a fraction of their tail. I collected a sustainable amount from 2 areas both only 1 square yard; A total of 300 worms, mainly 3+ inches. After doing some research, I discovered that the worms in the great lake's basin are actually "exotic" invasions from Europe that are destroying our forests. *Mhm, chya right.* So I wondered if this food was garter gold... So I tried it on Fatty, who's in shed. One down. Tried it on her sister. Two down. Que the same situation with every other garters I own, even the ribbon sucked one down! Gentlemen, and ladies, I believe I have discovered one of the best foods for garters. I snapped a few photos of the specimens I found and sent them to a laboratory in the UK to be pinpointed as to the exact species. The person who does the ID's is out until the 14th, so we will have to wait for him to return for the exact identity. As soon as I get the culture going and find out exact care requirements, I will offer them for sale. This has to be one of the best discoveries to date! A worm with the attitude of the red wiggler, the size of a nightcrawler, and the flavor of the garden dew worm. What more could you ask for?

[adamanteus]

often dropping a fraction of their tail.

You found a worm that drops it's tail? Are you sure?

[Zephyr]

Yep, around 30% of the time when grabbed the very end of the tail fragments off, even when no pressure is applied. And better yet is the fact that when pestered or touched the slightest bit the thrash from side to side, perfect for finicky garters who like motion.
**And if you're thinking these are actually salamanders... They aren't. lol

[Zephyr]

Here's a pic of a medium sized individual.

They tend to thrash, then stop moving for a moment, then thrash again.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

it looks... "rigid"

[adamanteus]

No, I wasn't thinking salamanders, Kyle... I'm certain you know the difference. But I'd like to see video of a worm casting it's tail.... if it's 30% of them, that shouldn't be a problem.

[Zephyr]

I'll try and get one. It may be them just thrashing about though.

[Zephyr]

Okay, I tried to get a vid of the tail dropping, but to no avail. I did, however, catch the spasms. You've never seen a worm fragment its tail, James?

[Zephyr]

Youtube needs to load faster... lol

[Zephyr]

YouTube - New garter snake food
Tada.
No tail break, but it did spasm. They wig out completely when a garter grabs them. XD