What animals eat lugworms?

Lugworms are a tasty treat for a variety of animals! Here are some of the creatures that enjoy a good lugworm meal:

Birds:

* Shorebirds: These birds, like Dunlin, Sanderling, and Red Knot, are particularly fond of lugworms and often probe the sand with their long beaks to extract them.

* Gulls: While not as specialized as shorebirds, gulls will readily eat lugworms when the opportunity arises.

Fish:

* Flatfish: Species like flounder, sole, and plaice are well-suited to hunting lugworms in the sand.

* Cod: These bottom-dwelling fish will happily include lugworms in their diet.

* Whiting: Another common fish found in the same habitats as lugworms, often feeding on them.

Other Invertebrates:

* Crabs: Especially shore crabs and hermit crabs, will happily scavenge for lugworms.

* Starfish: Some starfish species are capable of extracting lugworms from their burrows.

Mammals:

* Seals: These marine mammals will often forage for lugworms, especially in coastal areas.

Humans:

* Anglers: Lugworms are a popular bait for fishing, particularly for sea bass and cod.

It's important to note that the specific predators of lugworms can vary depending on their geographic location and the local ecosystem.