Seeds:
* They are a primary food source, especially from grasses, cacti, and shrubs.
* They often cache these seeds for later consumption.
Fruits and Vegetables:
* When available, they enjoy ripe fruits and vegetables.
* These can include berries, melons, and cacti fruits.
Insects:
* They are a good source of protein.
* Beetles, ants, and grasshoppers are common prey.
Small Animals:
* They will occasionally prey on lizards, snakes, and rodents.
Other:
* They may also eat mushrooms, fungi, and even bird eggs.
Specific to Different Species:
* Round-tailed ground squirrels: These squirrels are known to eat cacti, particularly the prickly pear cactus.
* Antelope squirrels: These squirrels are excellent seed collectors and often hoard seeds in underground caches.
Adaptation to Desert Life:
* Their diet is adapted to the harsh desert environment.
* They can survive on very little water, obtaining most of their moisture from the food they eat.
* Their strong teeth are well-suited for chewing tough seeds and cacti.
Overall, desert squirrels are adaptable eaters that utilize a wide variety of food sources to survive in their arid environment.