Which Animals Eat Earthworms?

Earthworms are food for many different animal species in a variety of habitats and ecosystems.

Earthworms are an integral component of the food chain. They promote the growth of many different plants by eating billions of other organisms that are a natural part of the Earth's soil food web, including bacteria, fungi, arthropods, protozoa and nematodes. You may know that earthworms are nocturnal creatures, making them prey to other animals that become active at night. But the variety of animal species that consume earthworms as part of their regular diets -- including human beings -- just might surprise you.

Birds

Everyone has heard the saying, "the early bird gets the worm." Robins, cardinals, killdeers, blackbirds and bluebirds all have keen senses of sight, enabling them to spot, swoop down and scoop up an earthworm on the ground even in the low light of dawn. But the truth is that it is not only the early-rising birds, but the ones who stay up late at night, that have the best chances of finding a big fat worm for supper. Worms burrow deep in the ground during the day, but at night, they surface for food and water, making them vulnerable to cunning, winged night predators such as owls.

Reptiles

Not all reptiles are carnivores, but for the ones who do eat meat, the earthworm is a common, protein-packed meal. The ordinary garter snake, for example, is known to eat a species of earthworm commonly referred to as a nightcrawler. Skinks and green anole lizards are known to eat earthworms and other slimy, crawling insects like slugs and snails. Many pet lizards will often eat earthworms when fed to them by their owners, even though the earthworm is not part of the lizard's natural diet. The green iguana, for example, is a vegetarian in the wild, but will eat worms and insects when fed in captivity -- a practice that should be avoided, due to this species' unique dietary needs.

Amphibians

Earthworms are perhaps the most common fishing bait. But did you know that other aquatic creatures, such as amphibians, also enjoy earthworms as a regular meal? Toads, frogs and salamanders all eat earthworms, both in the wild and in captivity. These amphibians are naturally attracted to the earthworm's wiggly movements, which indicate a healthy meal full of protein to these stealthy predators.

Mammals

The earthworm is a natural meal choice for mammals that burrow underground, such as moles and gophers. But you may be surprised to learn that the most common mammals -- human beings -- have also been known to eat earthworms, among other bugs, with regularity in cultures all over the world. Proponents of bug-based diets claim that worms and insects provide more protein than animal meat, with lower amounts of fat and cholesterol.

References

• Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development: "Earthworms and the Soil Foodweb"
• Signs of the Seasons: "Going Buggy! Insect-Eating Birds"
• Garter Snake Info: Feeding Earthworms
• Green Iguana Society: Animal Protein Issues
• Michigan State University: "Care: Frogs, Toads and Salamanders"
• Manataka American Indian Council: Eating Bugs!