Hobbies And Interests
Birds
Many birds, especially those in the wild, love feasting on beetles. Some types, such as crows, meadowlarks and blackbirds enjoy munching on beetle larvae. Others prefer adult beetles for a meal. Among these are woodpeckers, chickadees, bobwhites and some sparrow and bluebird species. Several species -- like cardinals, robins, starlings, grackles and chickens - enjoy the best of both worlds and eat both beetle grubs (larvae) and adult beetles.
Insects and Other Invertebrates
A variety of insects and other invertebrates consider beetles a healthy lunch. Wasps, for example, are popularly known to prey on beetle larvae and adult beetles. Some wasp species, like pelecinid and tiphiid species, even use their larvae to prey on beetles and beetle grubs. Other kinds of wasps lay their eggs on top of beetle eggs, such that when the eggs hatch, they feed on the readily available meal. Other predatory insects, such as ants and spiders, search for beetle eggs in the soil or in trees and logs. Praying mantises, tachnid flies, and even other larger beetles have proven to be beneficial to humans by eating beetle species that are harmful to gardens and crops.
Mammals
Aside from eating meat, fish, and plants, many mammals eat a variety of insects, including beetles. Animals of the rodent family, like skunks, moles, squirrels, hedgehogs and gophers, often burrow and dig in the soil for beetle larvae and occasionally enjoy adult beetles as well. Bats, which are mostly insectivorous, eat hundreds of insects every night. If beetles are in the vicinity, they're probably on the menu.
Other Animals
Certain species of fish, amphibians and reptiles eat beetles as a delicacy. Snakes, especially smaller kinds, eat beetles, as well as other insects. Fish eat larvae of beetles if they happen to be in the water. Lizards, frogs and salamanders are all known to be insectivorous and appreciate the taste of a good beetle now and then.