Yes snakes do eat bugs. In fact many snakes are specialized predators of insects and other small invertebrates. A wide variety of snake species have been documented preying on everything from beetles and ants to moths and grasshoppers.
There are a number of reasons why snakes might choose to eat bugs. For one insects are relatively easy to catch and kill. They are also small and not very nutritious so snakes can digest them easily. Additionally many snakes are simply opportunistic feeders that will eat whatever prey is available including insects.
One study found that the vast majority of snakes (93%) in a tropical forest ate some form of insects or other invertebrates. The most common prey items were ants termites and beetles. This dietary preference for insects was likely due to the abundance of these prey items in the environment.
Interestingly some snakes have even evolved specialized adaptations for eating bugs. For example the alligator gar is a type of fish that has long needle-like teeth that are perfectly adapted for puncturing and holding onto hard-bodied prey like insects.
In general snakes are not particularly picky eaters and will consume a wide variety of prey items including insects. So if you see a snake eating a bug don’t be too surprised!
What do snakes eat?
Snakes eat bugs.
