Insectivores

Insectivores are animals whose diet is primarily insects and other small invertebrates. The term is a broad dietary category rather than a formal taxonomic group, and insectivory occurs across many lineages, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and some fish. Insectivores may specialize on particular prey types—such as beetles, caterpillars, or termites—or they may be generalists that consume a wide range of insects and other invertebrates.

Across groups, insectivores employ diverse foraging strategies. Bats and some birds catch flying insects in the air (aerial hawking), while others glean prey from foliage, bark, or the ground. Some species excavate or probe for hidden larvae, and a few rely on endurance or rapid strikes to capture active prey. Adaptations common to insectivores include sharp or elongated snouts and teeth suitable for grasping small prey, rapid or extendable tongues, and highly developed senses. Bats often use echolocation to detect prey at night, and small mammals such as shrews and moles have high metabolic rates to support constant feeding.

Ecologically, insectivores help regulate insect populations and can contribute to pest control in natural and agricultural systems. They also face pressures from habitat loss, climate change, and declines in insect availability. While many species are highly specialized, others are flexible and adjust their diet with seasonal or liberally available prey. Insectivory thus represents a common and successful feeding strategy across the animal kingdom.