What Eats Earthworms?

The earthworm is classified as a small scavenger with a lifetime of 80 days. Interestingly, earthworms have a gestation period that takes just about an entire lifetime, but when they do hatch their young, they are born 50 at a time. The average weight of an earthworm is 5 grams. Many different animals prey on earthworms, which is one reason why they spend so much time burrowing into and around the dirt.

A variety of small carnivores feed on earthworms when they come out of the ground. This includes animals like weasels, stoats, otters, mink and frogs. Spiders are just about the only small carnivore that does not feed on earthworms.

Medium-sized omnivores (animals that eat animals and plants) also eat earthworms. Pigs and raccoons are two of the most common examples.

Just about all small and medium-sized birds will eat earthworms. American robins and woodcocks are two species indigenous to North America that focus on earthworms and insects in their diet.

The Eastern worm snake is just one of the species of snakes that will eat earthworms. Also, turtles and frogs will eat them as they forage. Other members of this group include centipedes and toads.