Plankton and Small Invertebrates:
The platypus' diet consists mainly of small aquatic creatures, such as insect larvae, crustaceans (particularly shrimps), and freshwater snails. These invertebrates inhabit the rivers and streams where the platypus resides.
How They Feed:
1. Bill Structure: The platypus has a broad and flat bill that is covered with electroreceptors. These receptors can detect electrical signals generated by muscular movements of the invertebrates.
2. Diving and Searching: Platypus are skilled divers and can stay submerged for extended periods. They dive into the water and use their electrolocation ability to locate the tiny prey hidden beneath the surface.
3. Filtering and Straining: Once they locate a suitable feeding area, platypuses use their bill to burrow into the soft sediment or stir up the water, dislodging the prey from their hiding places. The bill is also adapted to filter out the invertebrates from the mud or water.
Diet Composition:
The specific diet composition of a platypus varies depending on the availability of prey in their environment. Their diet can include:
- Caddisfly larvae
- Mayfly nymphs
- Freshwater shrimp (such as Atya and Paratya)
- Freshwater crayfish
- Worms and insect larvae (e.g., chironomids)
- Small fish and fish eggs
Feeding Behaviour:
Platypus typically feed at night or in low-light conditions, spending hours foraging in shallow or deep waters. They have a pouch in each cheek, which they use to temporarily store food collected while searching. These cheek pouches are emptied later to consume the prey items.
It is worth noting that platypus are generally opportunistic feeders and may adjust their diet based on the resources available in their environment. Their foraging behaviour allows them to play an essential role in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems by controlling the populations of certain invertebrates.