What Do Frogs Eat in the Desert?

What Do Frogs Eat in the Desert?. Frogs living in the desert have adapted to a particular diet for survival. The desert doesn't offer the same nourishing shrubs and bugs that could be found in forest regions or grasslands, and it's not always a safe environment for a frog. Yet desert frogs have figured out what foods to eat and which ones to avoid.

Insects

Sonoran Desert toads eat insects such as Palo Verde beetles, as well as other beetles, flies, spiders and large ants found in the desert. Western narrow-mouthed toads are known for eating primarily ants. Some desert frogs will even attempt to eat insects that are larger than they are, which is not an uncommon sight in the desert. Tarantulas and large scorpions can be on the desert frog's menu.

Small Rodents

The desert is filled with small desert rodents, such as mice, rats, gophers and ground squirrels. If a rodent is small enough, a desert frog may attempt to catch and eat it. Since desert frogs burrow underground, they may come across ground-dwelling rodents to prey on.

Snakes

Desert frogs are not afraid to eat snakes, if they are looking for food. If a desert frog comes upon a dead snake or a baby snake that can be easily caught, the desert frog - especially Sonoran Desert toads with vicious appetites - will eat it.

Other Frogs

Some desert frogs, such as the Sonoran Desert toad, will eat other desert frogs, if that becomes a food option. This popular desert frog does not discriminate against eating other amphibians, because it is not always easy to find food in the desert.

References

• Desert Animals: Sonoran Desert Toad
• Arizona Sonora Desert Museum: Sonoran Desert Toad
• Reptile Channel: Arizona and Sonoran Desert Toads; Bruce Taubert