Bandicoots and Bilbies: Peramelemorphia

Bandicoots and bilbies are omnivores, eating both plants and animals, and insects such as ants and termites usually make up most of their diet. They also eat earthworms, insect larvae, insects such as centipedes, and plant parts, such as seeds, bulbs, and fallen fruit. Occasionally larger species eat lizards and mice. They are opportunistic feeders, tending to eat whatever food is available.

Bandicoots and bilbies find food by smell and hearing. Their eyesight is poor. When they locate food underground, they dig cone-shaped holes up to 5 inches (13 centimeters) deep and remove the food with their long tongues. Because so much of their food is dug out of the ground, they also accidentally eat a lot of dirt. Studies have found that between 20 and 90 percent of their waste is earth that was swallowed with the food, then passed through their digestive system. Some species that live in desert areas do not need to drink water. They can get all the moisture they need from their food.