Coyotes, adaptable canids found across North America, have a varied diet. While widely recognized as predators of small mammals, a common question arises about the extent to which insects contribute to their food intake. This article explores the role of insects in the coyote diet, the factors influencing their consumption, and how this fits into the broader picture of what coyotes eat.
Insects as Part of the Coyote Diet
Coyotes consume insects, integrating them into their diverse diet. Common insect prey include grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, and cicadas, along with their larvae. These canids often forage for insects in meadows, sometimes relying on their sense of smell to locate dormant or hidden bugs, especially those sluggish from cold. They may also dig for larvae and other small invertebrates.
Insects serve as a supplementary food source, offering valuable nutrition. They provide protein, fats, and a range of essential minerals such as iron, zinc, and calcium, in addition to various vitamins. This makes insects a beneficial addition, particularly when other food sources might be less available.
Factors Influencing Insect Consumption
The consumption of insects by coyotes is largely driven by their opportunistic feeding habits and seasonal availability. During summer and fall, when insect populations are abundant, coyotes increase their intake of bugs like grasshoppers and crickets. This seasonal bounty provides an easily obtainable food source.
Insects become a more significant part of a coyote’s diet when primary prey, such as small mammals, may be scarce. For instance, during periodical cicada emergences, coyotes readily feed on them, taking advantage of temporary abundance. This flexibility allows coyotes to sustain themselves across varying environmental conditions and food landscapes.
The Diverse Diet of Coyotes
Coyotes are highly adaptable omnivores, consuming both plant and animal matter, which contributes to their widespread success across North America. Their primary diet consists mainly of small mammals, including rodents like mice, voles, and gophers, as well as rabbits and hares. These smaller animals often form the majority of their food intake.
Beyond small mammals and insects, coyotes also eat birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Plant-based foods are important, with coyotes consuming a variety of fruits, berries, and vegetables, especially when in season. They also scavenge on carrion, which provides another reliable food source. In urban and suburban areas, their diet can include human-related food sources, showcasing their their remarkable dietary flexibility.