Tarsiers are primarily insectivorous, meaning their diet mainly consists of insects. However, their diet can be somewhat diverse, and it may vary depending on the availability of food in their specific habitat. Here's an overview of what tarsiers eat:
1. **Insects:** Insects make up the bulk of a tarsier's diet. They feed on a wide range of insects, including grasshoppers, crickets, moths, butterflies, beetles, ants, and other small arthropods. Tarsiers are skilled hunters and can catch insects in the dark using their excellent night vision.
2. **Small Vertebrates:** Tarsiers may also consume small vertebrates like birds, small mammals, and reptiles, although these make up a smaller portion of their diet.
3. **Bird Eggs:** Tarsiers are known to raid bird nests to consume eggs and chicks, especially during the breeding season when these food sources are more abundant.
4. **Fruit:** Some tarsier species, such as the Philippine tarsier, supplement their diet with fruits, nectar, and tree sap when insects are scarce. These additional food sources can provide necessary nutrients and energy.
5. **Leaves and Gum:** Tarsiers may occasionally eat leaves and tree sap or gum, which can provide additional nutrients. However, these items are not their primary food source.
It's important to note that tarsier dietary preferences can vary depending on the species, local habitat conditions, and seasonal availability of food. Their ability to adapt to different food sources within their environment allows them to survive in a range of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to secondary growth forests and even agricultural areas.