What does the platpus eat?

Platypuses are semi-aquatic mammals native to eastern Australia. They are known for their unique features, including a duck-like bill and webbed feet. Platypuses are carnivores and their diet consists mainly of aquatic insects, insect larvae, and small crustaceans. They use their bill to forage for food in the water and sift through the sediment and vegetation. Some of the specific prey items that platypuses consume include:

- Mayfly larvae

- Caddisfly larvae

- Stonefly larvae

- Shrimp

- Crayfish

- Water bugs

- Tadpoles

- Small fish

- Worms

Platypuses have a specialized feeding mechanism. They use their bill to locate and capture prey, and then crush the food between horny plates in their mouth. They do not have teeth, so they rely on these plates to grind down their food. Platypuses also have pouches in their cheeks, which they use to store food temporarily while they are foraging.

Platypuses are active feeders and spend a significant portion of their time foraging for food. They are opportunistic predators and will consume a variety of prey items that are available in their environment.