What do armadillos eat in the wild?

Armadillos are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they eat a variety of foods depending on what's available. Their diet mainly consists of:

Insects:

* Ants: A large portion of their diet, especially in the case of the giant armadillo.

* Beetles: Another significant insect food source.

* Termites: They dig up termite mounds and devour the insects.

* Other insects: They will eat various other insects they find.

Other invertebrates:

* Worms: Earthworms and other types of worms are a common meal.

* Snails: They can crack open snail shells to get to the soft flesh.

* Scorpions: Occasionally found on their menu.

Small vertebrates:

* Lizards: Small lizards are eaten when available.

* Snakes: Occasionally consumed, depending on the size and species of both the armadillo and the snake.

* Rodents: They can hunt and eat small rodents like mice.

* Eggs: Bird eggs, reptile eggs, or even the eggs of other armadillos.

Plant matter:

* Roots: Digging up roots is part of their foraging behavior.

* Fruits: They will eat fallen fruits and berries.

* Grasses: Especially when other food sources are scarce.

* Mushrooms: They may eat mushrooms when available.

Other:

* Carrion: They are known to scavenge on carrion, including dead animals and roadkill.

* Garbage: They can be found rummaging through garbage in urban areas.

The specific diet of an armadillo will vary based on its location, the season, and the availability of food.