Do Squirrels Eat Cicadas? Unveiling the Surprising Truth

Squirrels are known for their diverse diet, which primarily consists of nuts, seeds, and fruits. However, their foraging habits extend to other food sources, such as cicadas, when the opportunity arises. The consumption of cicadas by squirrels can be particularly beneficial for them, as these insects are rich in protein and easily available during cicada emergence periods.

Cicadas emerge in massive numbers at specific intervals, providing a readily available source of nutrition for various animals, including squirrels. Although squirrels primarily feed on plant-based foods, they can also consume bird eggs, insects, and other animal matter when available. This flexibility in diet allows squirrels to adapt to different environments and food sources.

Given this information, it’s evident that squirrels do eat cicadas when the opportunity presents itself. This opportunistic feeding behavior allows squirrels to diversify their diet and take advantage of abundant resources when they’re available. The next time you see a squirrel scurrying around during a cicada emergence, remember that it might be on the hunt for these protein-rich insects.

Squirrels, Cicadas and Diet

Squirrels are primarily herbivores, but they sometimes consume insects for protein. Cicadas, also known as “land shrimp,” are large insects that emerge periodically and are eaten by various animals.

Cicadas provide essential nutrients to animals that consume them. Squirrels take advantage of cicada’s availability, feasting on them when they come out. Rich in protein and fat, cicadas complement the squirrels’ diets by adding variety.

Some features of squirrels and cicadas:

• Squirrels: Small mammals, primarily herbivorous, agile tree climbers
• Cicadas: Large insects, periodic emergence, a food source for various animals

Here is a comparison table of the nutritional values of cicada and squirrels’ usual diet:

Cicadas might appear on the menu of squirrels only when they emerge, which is infrequent. They provide the squirrels with a supplementary source of beneficial nutrients when they are available.

In summary, squirrels are primarily herbivorous but also opportunistic eaters. Cicadas, as a source of protein and fat, are a welcome addition to their diets when they emerge, even though their consumption is limited to specific periods.

Squirrel Diet Variety

Squirrels are known for their diverse diet, which includes a wide range of foods. Some common items they consume are:

• Nuts: Acorns, walnuts, and hazelnuts are favored by squirrels.
• Seeds: Pine cones, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are popular choices.
• Vegetables: Squirrels may nibble on corn, peas, and leafy greens.
• Fruits: Apples, cherries, and berries are attractive to squirrels.
• Flowers: Squirrels enjoy eating flowers like roses and dandelions.
• Mushrooms: They may occasionally forage for edible fungi.
• Grasses: Green grasses are also part of their diet.

In comparison to nuts and seeds, which are energy-rich, other food items may provide fewer calories and less nutrition.

Apart from these food sources, squirrels have also been observed eating insects, eggs, and even young birds. However, their primary diet is predominantly plant-based. Their foraging habits and diet variety allow squirrels to thrive in various habitats, from forests to urban environments.

Predators, Prey and the Balance

Squirrels are small mammals that form an important part of the ecosystem. They serve as both predators and prey, helping to maintain a balance in their environment.

Predators of squirrels:

• Birds, such as owls and hawks
• Mammals, like weasels, foxes, and raccoons
• Snakes
• Larger rodents and other mammals

Squirrels are known to eat a variety of insects like cicadas as part of their diet. Cicadas also serve as food for many predators mentioned above.

During cicada emergence periods, many animals experience a temporary increase in food availability, leading to what’s known as a “cicada feast.” Predators can take advantage of the abundance and rely heavily on these insects during such times.

In conclusion, squirrels and cicadas both play essential roles in balancing the ecosystem by acting as predators and prey. The interactions between these species and various predators ensure a constant cycle of consumption, maintaining the delicate balance in nature.

Cicadas in the Ecosystem

Cicadas play an important role in the ecosystem. They provide various benefits to wildlife and are native to eastern North America. Cicadas are generally not harmful to their environment, unlike locusts¹. Females lay eggs on mature tree branches, which usually survive the process².

Some characteristics of cicadas:

• They serve as a food source for wildlife, such as birds and squirrels
• They help recycle nutrients in the ecosystem by breaking down plant material
• They do not bite people and are not considered a significant nuisance

Cicadas are available in abundance during their emergence periods, which occur every 13 or 17 years³. This abundance provides a valuable food source for various animals, including flying squirrels, grey squirrels, and fox squirrels. However, their numbers don’t last long, as they eventually die off, and wildlife needs to rely on other food sources such as caterpillars and acorns⁴.

Comparing Caterpillars and Cicadas in the Ecosystem

In conclusion, both cicadas and caterpillars are crucial to North America’s ecosystem as they provide essential benefits to wildlife and contribute to nutrient recycling. Their abundance serves as a valuable food source for various species, including squirrels, which are known to consume both types of insects.

Life Cycle of Cicadas and Attractiveness as Prey

Cicada life cycles vary among species; while most species have a 2-5 year cycle, periodical cicadas emerge every 13 or 17 years¹. The life cycle begins with a mating ritual, where male cicadas “sing” to attract females². After mating, females lay eggs in tree grooves. The eggs hatch in six to seven weeks, releasing nymphs that fall to the ground and burrow into the soil².

In their underground existence, cicada nymphs undergo a series of molts to grow larger³. The final molt marks the emergence of adult cicadas, which leave the soil to mate and restart the cycle³.

Cicadas’ life cycle stages determine their attractiveness as prey for squirrels and other animals. For example:

• Larval stage: Cicada larvae are relatively safe from predators due to their underground existence³.
• Emergence: When nymphs emerge from the ground to molt into adults, they are vulnerable and easy to catch³.

Cicadas have some characteristics that influence their attractiveness as prey:

• Exoskeleton: Cicadas’ exoskeleton can be hard for some animals to digest, leading to constipation⁴.
• No stingers or parasites: Unlike some insects, cicadas don’t have stingers or carry parasites, making them relatively safe for consumption⁵.

Comparing cicadas with some other common prey for squirrels:

In conclusion, cicadas are an attractive prey for squirrels during their emergence stage. Although they lack harmful features like stingers or parasites, their exoskeletons may cause digestive issues⁴⁵. Nevertheless, in the right conditions, squirrels might enjoy cicadas as a part of their varied diet.

Animals and Insects as Squirrel Diet

Squirrels Diet in General

Squirrels are known for their diverse diets, which often depend on their habitat and food availability. They typically consume various plant-based options, such as fruits, berries, bark, fungi, roots, and bulbs.

Insects in Squirrels Diet

Additionally, squirrels eat animal parts, including insects and invertebrates. Some common insects that squirrels may consume include:

• Spiders
• Ants
• Beetles
• Caterpillars
• Grubs
• Wasps

Among these insects, cicadas are one example of a food source for squirrels. The abundance of cicadas during their emergence periods provides an attractive and temporary meal option for squirrels.

Cicadas vs Other Insects

Cicadas differ from some other insects in squirrels’ diets due to their large size and the rarity of their appearance. Moreover, cicadas can be easily captured and consumed by squirrels, making them a convenient meal option.

Interaction with Other Animals

While squirrels may occasionally interact with other animals, such as dogs, cats, and chipmunks in their habitats, they do not typically consume these animals. However, squirrels themselves may fall prey to various predators, including reptiles, birds of prey, and larger mammals.

Squirrels’ Nut Hunting Patterns

Squirrels are well-known for their love of nuts. Their nut hunting patterns vary depending on the type of nut they’re after. Some of their favorite nuts include:

• Acorns
• Walnuts
• Hickory nuts
• Almonds
• Peanuts

Squirrels usually forage for nuts in the early mornings and late afternoons. They have a strong sense of smell, which helps them locate nuts on the ground or in trees.

For example, squirrels are particularly fond of acorns. They are known to bury acorns underground, creating a hidden cache of food. However, they might forget some of the buried acorns, which contributes to oak forest regeneration.

Here is a comparison table of some common nuts squirrels love:

Some pros and cons of squirrels’ nut hunting patterns are:

Pros:

• Helps with seed dispersal and forest regeneration
• Provides a food source for squirrels throughout the year

Cons:

• Can cause damage to trees and plants
• May lead to competition with other animals for the same food source

In conclusion, squirrels play a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping with seed dispersal through their nut hunting and caching behavior. They are drawn to a variety of nuts, but some are more preferred than others in their diet.

Impact of Squirrel Diet on Homeowners and Pets

Squirrels are known for their diverse diet, which can include cicadas, nuts, seeds, and fruits. Homeowners and pet owners may wonder how this diet impacts their daily lives.

When squirrels find a new food source like cicadas, they might show less interest in other human-made food sources, such as bird feeders. As a result, this can be both a pro and a con for homeowners:

Pros:

• Less raiding of bird feeders
• Reduced damage to garden plants

Cons:

• Increased squirrel activity due to the natural food source

A comparison of squirrel diet components relevant to homeowners and pets:

Squirrels may try to access sap by stripping the bark on trees, causing potential damage. To prevent this, homeowners can:

• Wrap trees with wire mesh
• Apply repellents to deter squirrels

It is crucial for pet owners to be aware of the risks associated with squirrels’ consumption of certain foods. For example:

• Bread can pose a choking hazard to pets.
• Raisins are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.

In summary, the diet of squirrels can influence the interaction between these animals, homeowners, and pets. By understanding their dietary habits, households can take measures to protect their trees, gardens, and pets from potential harm.

The Nutritious Value of Cicadas and Other Prey

Cicadas offer a high protein source for animals like squirrels. They are as nutritious as certain types of meat and have an added advantage: fewer environmental effects.

Here are some benefits of cicadas:

• High protein content
• Rich in vitamins and minerals
• Sustainable alternative to meat

Squirrels, especially robins, benefit from the nutritious value of cicadas. Cicadas also contain traces of calcium, crucial for bone health in animals.

In Antarctica, animals rely on alternative sources of protein. For example, krill provides Antarctic wildlife the nutrients they need.

Let’s compare cicadas with another common prey of squirrels, caterpillars:

In conclusion:

• Cicadas are a valuable food source for squirrels and other animals
• They provide high protein, vitamins, and some calcium
• Caterpillars are another nutritious option, but cicadas outshine them in protein content

Cicada Predators Beyond Squirrels

Squirrels are not the only creatures that enjoy feasting on cicadas. Birds are also known predators of the periodical cicada, with species like robins, starlings, and common grackles relishing the insect meal.

In comparison to squirrels, birds have a slight advantage in their hunt for cicadas thanks to their ability to swoop down and quickly snatch them from the air or tree branches.

Apart from birds, there are several other predators that feast on cicadas. Here’s a list of some other cicada predators:

• Mammals like raccoons and opossums
• Various reptile species, including snakes and lizards
• Insects such as praying mantises, ants and spiders

Interestingly, some of these cicada predators aren’t restricted only to the 17-year cicada but also feed on other cicada species, like the annual cicadas. Moreover, it’s crucial to note that some of these predators are opportunistic and may feed on cicadas in varying numbers.

In addition to the predators mentioned, let’s not forget about grasshoppers. Although grasshoppers do not directly prey on cicadas, they share the same ecological niche and face similar predators. So, it is not uncommon to find birds, mammals, and reptiles hunting both cicadas and grasshoppers.

Here’s a comparison table highlighting the differences between cicadas and grasshoppers:

In conclusion, it is evident that cicadas, including the 17-year cicada, face numerous predators in their natural habitats besides squirrels. These predators play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling cicada populations and providing food for various wildlife species.