The insectivorous animals or entomophagous base their diet, or part of it, in the consumption of insects, that is, small invertebrates. There is a great variety of animals that eat insects, from amphibians to mammals, obtaining from them an important source of animal protein.
In this article on our site we will talk in detail about what are the animals that eat insects and we will show you 15 examples, telling you about their morphology or curiosities among others. Keep reading!
What are animals that eat insects called?
As we told you in the introduction, animals that eat insects are called insectivores or entomophagesInsects, as living beings, represent a source of protein, so one wonders: are animals that eat insects carnivores? Yes, this is a valid consideration, although it is advisable to name them with the words that we have already mentioned.
There are multiple species that include insects in their diet, whether it is the basis of their diet, a supplement or the exclusive food in the breeding seasonIn this sense, they constitute an important link in the development of ecosystems, as they are an abundant source of protein.
It is possible to find animals that eat insects among which we highlight mammals, amphibians, birds, arachnids, reptiles and other insectsDue to this, each species has developed different mechanisms that allow it to catch these small prey. Birds, for example, have beaks adapted to extract insects from the ground or tree trunks. Amphibians, for their part, have sticky tongues that make hunting them easier, and entomophagous insects themselves have different methods to catch their counterparts in the animal world, even those of the same species.
If you are interested in learning about these entomophagous species, we present the following examples of animals that eat insects.
1. Anteater
Aardvarks are called several species belonging to the suborder of the vermilinguos. They are characterized by measuring 2 meters, including the length of the tail, and weighing 40 kilos. The fur is thick, stiff, and varies in gray, sandy, and black colors.
Aardvarks feed on ants and termitesTo do this, they have a long, cylindrical tongue that they use to introduce it into the hiding places of these insects. Ants and termites stick to the tongue so the bear can eat them.
two. Armadillo
Armadillos belong to the Dasypodidae family and are another animal that eats insects. They are placental mammals that are distinguished by a shell made up of juxtaposed plates and a long, almost bald tail, similar to that of rats. Armadillos feed on insects, but this is not the only element of their idea, since it is among the animals that eat insects and plants, in addition to consuming carrion.
3. Star-nosed mole
The star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata) is a mammal that inhabits North America. Its main feature is the snout, made up of 22 tentacles that constitute the most important organ of "vision" of the mole, since it uses them to guide itself in the darkness of the tunnels it inhabits. This species feeds on insects, worms, molluscs, since apart from finding its prey on land, it is also a swimmer.
4. Geckos
Geccos, also called geckos, are sauropsids with scales that inhabit warm regions around the world. They are also animals that eat insects. They have a body with large eyes, a flattened head and multiple colors that vary depending on the area in which they live. The species' diet is very varied: it feeds on insects, centipedes, arthropods and arachnids,but it is also capable of hunting small birds and lizards, in addition to resorting to cannibalism if food is scarce.
5. Gecko
The Gecko (Tarentola mauritanica) is a reptile that inhabits the cities surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. They are characterized by measuring around 15 centimeters and presenting colors that are easy to camouflage, such as gray, sand and light brown, in addition to having conical bulges that protrude from the body. It is an animal with nocturnal habits that consumes all kinds of insects. However, in times of food scarcity, they are capable of devouring smaller geckos and other lizards.
6. Little Owl
The Athene noctua or little owl is a bird of prey native to Europe and Africa. It reaches only 25 centimeters and has a brown or chestnut plumage with white areas. In ancient times, it was the symbol of the Greek goddess Athena, although it is often confused with the owl. Owls feed on large insects, but they also hunt rodents, worms, and smaller birds.
7. Indiana Bat
The Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) is a species found only in a few North American states. It reaches up to 60 millimeters and weighs between 5 and 11 grams It has short, fluffy fur that is greyish-brown on the back, but black on the back. It is a nocturnal animal that feeds on many insects, its favorites being moths, beetles and other flying invertebrates. The Indiana bat capable of consuming up to half its weight each night.
8. Common Toad
The Bufo bufo or common toad is an anuran amphibian that inhabits swamps, streams, and other wet habitats in Europe and northern Asia. Its habits are nocturnal and it is characterized by presenting an appearance that inspired fear in the past as it was considered an evil presence: dark skin, reddish eyes and a multitude of warts or lumps that protrude from the body. The common toad is another of the animals that eat insects, however, it is also capable of hunting small mammals, like rodents.
9. Mantis
The praying mantis (Mantis religiosa) is an insect that is distributed in Asia, Europe, Africa and some areas of North America. It measures about 5 centimeters and is distinguished by having large eyes and two elongated front legs that resemble blades. The praying mantis usually feeds on other insects, but can also hunt frogs, small birds, lizards, and rodents. In addition, females tend to devour the male after the mating ritual.
10. Ladybug
There are more than 4,500 types of ladybugs, a name under which are included various species of coleopteran insects that are distributed throughout the world. They present different colors, the most common being a combination of red with black spots, however, it is also possible to find species with yellow, orange and even white wings. The ladybug is one more animal that eats insects, such as aphids, mealybugs, flies and mites Because of this, it is used as a biological pest control.
eleven. Moon Rat
Another example of animals that eat insects in the moon rat (Echinosorex gymnura) is a rodent that measures up to 460 millimeters and has a black or white fur. The species presents a marked sexual dimorphism, since the females are larger than the males. The Moon Rat's diet is diverse, feeding on both insects and fruit and aquatic vertebrates, like fish.
12. Web-footed Tenrec
The web-footed tenrec (Limnogale mergulus) is a mammal that lives in aquatic environments on the island of Madagascar. It measures around 40 centimeters and weighs up to 60 grams. It is considered a vulnerable species by the IUCN Red List, as it is threatened by the effect of agriculture on its habitat, in addition to the deterioration of aquatic environments due to fishing. This mammal feeds on insects, but also eats crayfish
13. Gray Flycatcher
The grey flycatcher (Muscicapa striata) is a songbirdinhabiting the cities and grasslands of Europe and Africa. It reaches only 25 centimeters in height and is characterized by light brown plumage with a white abdomen. It is a migratory bird that nests between May and August. The flycatcher is included among the animals that eat insects and plants Although its diet consists mainly of Coleoptera and Diptera, it also consumes elderberries.
14. Dragon-fly
Under the name of dragonflies are included various species of paleopteran insects, which means that they are not able to gather their wings around the abdomen. In addition to this, they have a long and thin body, with multifaceted eyes that perceive what is happening in a range of 360 degrees. Dragonflies are insects that feed on other insects. The basis of their diet is the consumption of flies, moths and butterflies
fifteen. Sugar phalange
The last of the insect-eating animals that we are going to show you is the Sugar Phalangus (Petaurus breviceps), a nocturnal mammal that inhabits the forests of Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia and Tasmania. It is characterized by measuring only 20 centimeters and weighing between 130 and 160 grams. It is an omnivorous animal that feeds on nectar, insects, birds and small mammals
Currently some people wonder if it is correct to have a sugar glider as a pet, however, from our site we warn about it, because it should not be considered a domestic animalin no case.
