Did you know that there are animals that eat flowers? Most people don’t realize this because they only think of flowers as bees’ and butterflies’ sources of nectar. However, there are actually quite a few animals that munch on them!
In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to 10 different animals that enjoy eating flowers. These animals sure are interesting, and some of them may even surprise you!
1. Turtles/Tortoises
The tortoise and turtle are creatures that can either be pets or animals in the wild and as such, they consume flowers – whether it be ones that were planted for them specifically or other wildflowers. While they are animals that love a good munch on blooms, there are many types of flowers that are poisonous and should not be fed to them. Hibiscus and dandelions are among their favorite flowers to eat.
2. Squirrels
You might think that these furry little creatures only eat nuts, but squirrels are animals that often eat flowers. However, they can be quite messy while doing so. These creatures are commonly known as garden bandits, and any gardener will tell you that they’re a nightmare. Not only do they litter, but these furry hooligans destroy property too–uprooting flowerbeds and leaving a mess for gardeners to clean up.
3. Birds
Different species of birds have different preferences for flower parts. Some of them prefer the petals while others go for the nectar. Some birds that enjoy eating flowers are the hummingbird, parakeet, and canary. Birds are excellent pollinators, but gardeners see them as a threat to their flowers and try their hardest to keep them away.
4. Bats
Bats are not often thought of as animals that eat flowers, but they actually consume them occasionally! They are drawn to flowers that are vibrant, fragrant, and full of nectar. They might look a little scary, but these creatures are gentle and actually help mildly with pollination.
5. Beetles
Beetles are another type of insect that enjoys munching on flowers. The Japanese beetle is just one of many species known to feast on leaves and flowers from over 400 plant varieties. They love flowers and foliage, but they will destroy your plants by chewing large holes in them until there are no leaves or petals left.
6. Land Snails/Slugs
Slugs and land snails are nocturnal creatures, so you would never see one on the move during the day. However, they come out to the garden at night and slowly eat away at your flowers. They are known to be one of the most destructive pests in gardens, and they can be difficult to completely get rid of. No gardener wants to deal with these slimy creatures.
7. Deer
It might seem odd that deer would eat flowers, but they actually love munching on them! In the wild, deer will graze on a lot of plants–including flowers. They tend to prefer more delicate blooms, such as daffodils and tulips. Wherever they go, One thing is certain, searching for flowers will be a must.
8. Moose
Moose are the largest member of the deer family, and they love eating flowers just as much as their smaller cousins. Though they typically eat wildflowers in rural areas, moose will also consume ornamental plants if they come across them. If you’re a gardener, that’s not great news for your lovely garden. Moose are especially drawn to blossoms and buds in the summer and spring.
9. Iguana
Native to tropical regions of Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America, iguanas are a species of herbivorous reptiles. They enjoy feeding on hibiscus, bougainvillea, orchids, bananas, and mango, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension. Also, did you know that adult iguanas can survive without food for about a week? It’s true!
10. Groundhog
Another animal that gardeners love to hate, groundhogs are notorious for their love of anything green and growing. These furry little rodents will munch on leaves, vegetables, fruits, and, of course, flowers. Groundhogs have a particular fondness for marigolds, petunias, and impatiens. If you have a groundhog sighting in your garden, you can expect to see plenty of damage!
Final Thoughts
There you have it–10 animals that love to eat flowers. Though they might be a gardener’s worst nightmare, these creatures can’t help but munch on blossoms and buds. Some of them do it for the nectar, while others simply enjoy the taste of petals and leaves.
Either way, it’s important to be aware of the animals in your area that might pose a threat to your flowers. With a little knowledge and preparation, you can keep your garden safe from these hungry critters!
