22 Animals That Eat Persimmons: A Complete Guide to Wildlife That Love This Sweet Fruit

Have you ever wondered which creatures in your backyard are secretly feasting on those orange persimmons hanging from your trees? More than 28 wildlife species regularly eat persimmons, from tiny chipmunks to massive black bears, making these sweet fruits one of nature’s most popular snacks.

Whether you’re a gardener trying to protect your harvest or simply curious about wildlife eating habits, understanding which animals love persimmons can help you better appreciate the complex relationships in your local ecosystem.

From mammals like deer and raccoons to dozens of bird species, persimmons serve as a crucial food source throughout the fall months.

These animals don’t just nibble on the fruit either. Many will travel great distances when persimmons ripen, and some species have even evolved special relationships with persimmon trees over thousands of years.

You’ll discover which specific animals are most likely visiting your persimmon trees, how different species consume the fruit, and why these orange orbs are so irresistible to wildlife.

We’ll explore everything from the largest mammals to the smallest insects that depend on persimmons for survival.

1. Deer (White-Tailed Deer, Mule Deer)

Both white-tailed deer and mule deer love eating persimmons when they can find them. These sweet fruits provide important nutrition during fall and winter months.

White-tailed deer are smaller animals that weigh 100-300 pounds. They live in forests and open areas across most of North America. You’ll often see them near the edges where woods meet fields.

Mule deer are slightly taller but usually lighter, weighing 80-200 pounds. They have large ears like a mule and live mainly in western states. They prefer mountains, deserts, and dry areas.

What Makes Persimmons Special for Deer

Both deer types have different main diets. White-tailed deer eat many different plants, crops, and fruits. Mule deer focus more on shrubs like sagebrush in their dry homes.

When persimmon trees drop their ripe fruit, deer will travel to find them. The sweet taste and high energy make persimmons a favorite food choice.

You might find deer tracks and droppings under persimmon trees during harvest season. This shows how much these animals value this nutritious fruit source.

Deer also help spread persimmon seeds to new areas after eating the fruit.

2. Raccoons

Raccoons are one of the most dedicated persimmon eaters in North America. They will travel long distances just to find persimmon trees when the fruit ripens in fall.

These masked mammals have a special relationship with American persimmons. Raccoons actually help persimmon seeds grow better because the seeds must pass through their digestive system to germinate properly.

What Makes Raccoons Perfect for Persimmons

Here’s why raccoons and persimmons work so well together:

• Strong climbers – They can reach fruit high in trees
• Excellent night vision – They forage when other animals sleep
• Dexterous paws – They can pick individual ripe fruits
• Seasonal timing – They need to gain weight before winter

You’ll often see raccoons gathering at persimmon trees during September and October. They eat the sweet, orange fruit and then spread the seeds through their droppings as they move to new areas.

This partnership benefits both species. Raccoons get a reliable food source rich in sugars and vitamins. Persimmon trees get their seeds planted in new locations with natural fertilizer.

If you have persimmon trees on your property, expect raccoon visitors each fall. They’re smart enough to remember productive trees and return year after year. Some raccoons will even test unripe persimmons and come back when they’re ready to eat.

The relationship between raccoons and American persimmons shows how wildlife and plants can evolve together over thousands of years.

3. Opossums

You’ll often find opossums at the top of the list when it comes to animals that love persimmons. These marsupials are well-known persimmon eaters. They will travel long distances just to reach a persimmon tree.

Virginia opossums are about two feet long and weigh around 15 pounds when fully grown. They have a distinctive rat-like tail that helps them climb trees. Their light gray fur makes them easy to spot in persimmon trees.

Why Opossums Love Persimmons

Opossums are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. Their diet includes:

• Fruits like persimmons
• Small insects and beetles
• Garden pests and slugs
• Dead animals they find

Persimmons provide important nutrition for opossums. The sweet fruit gives them energy and vitamins they need to survive.

When You’ll See Them Eating

You’re most likely to spot opossums eating persimmons at night. They are nocturnal animals that do most of their feeding after dark. During persimmon season, they may visit the same tree multiple nights in a row.

Opossums will eat persimmons right off the tree or pick up fallen fruit from the ground. They’re not picky eaters. They’ll consume the entire fruit, including the skin and seeds.

Their flexible diet helps them adapt to different food sources throughout the year. When persimmons aren’t available, they switch to other foods easily.

4. Foxes

Red foxes are opportunistic omnivores that eagerly eat persimmons when they’re available. These clever animals have adapted to find food in many different places.

Foxes especially love persimmons during autumn months. The sweet fruit becomes a favorite snack as other food sources become harder to find. They eat both wild persimmons growing in forests and cultivated ones from orchards.

You’ll find that foxes don’t just eat the fruit itself. They play an important role in seed dispersal by carrying persimmons to different locations. This helps new persimmon trees grow in various areas.

Common fruits foxes eat include:

• Persimmons
• Apples
• Grapes
• Cherries
• Blackberries
• Mulberries
• Plums

Foxes have excellent smell and hearing that helps them locate ripe persimmons. They can detect the sweet scent from quite far away. Their climbing abilities also let them reach fruit hanging from lower branches.

During peak persimmon season, you might see foxes visiting the same trees repeatedly. They remember good food sources and return to them regularly.

The timing works perfectly for both foxes and persimmon trees. Foxes get high-energy food to prepare for winter. The trees benefit because foxes spread their seeds to new growing spots.

Urban foxes have learned to find persimmons in city parks and yards. This shows how well they adapt their diet to whatever environment they live in.

5. Coyotes

You might be surprised to learn that coyotes eat persimmons regularly. These clever animals are opportunistic feeders, which means they eat whatever food is easiest to find.

Coyotes change their eating habits based on the season. During fall and winter, they eat more fruits and vegetables. Persimmons become a key food source when other prey is harder to catch.

What Makes Persimmons Appealing to Coyotes

The sweet taste of ripe persimmons attracts coyotes from long distances. You can often find persimmon seeds in coyote droppings during September and October. This shows how much they rely on this fruit.

Seasonal Eating Patterns

Fall diet includes:

• Persimmons
• Apples
• Berries
• Melons

Coyotes will travel far to reach persimmon trees. They compete with other animals like possums, raccoons, and deer for this tasty fruit.

How They Eat Persimmons

You can sometimes see coyotes eating persimmons right from the tree. They also pick up fallen fruit from the ground. Their strong jaws easily crush the soft fruit to get to the sweet flesh inside.

This fruit-eating behavior helps coyotes survive when meat is scarce. It also shows how adaptable these animals are. They can live in forests, deserts, farms, and even cities by eating many different foods.

6. Black Bears

Black bears are among the largest animals that regularly eat persimmons. These powerful mammals will climb persimmon trees to reach the sweet fruit. They’re strong enough to break branches while feeding.

You’ll find black bears eating persimmons mainly in fall when the fruit ripens. This timing matches their need to gain weight before winter hibernation. The sugary fruit provides quick energy.

Why black bears love persimmons:

• High sugar content
• Easy to digest
• Available during pre-hibernation feeding
• No competition from smaller animals

Black bears don’t just grab a few persimmons and leave. They often eat every single fruit on a tree during one visit. Their size lets them reach fruit that other animals can’t access.

These bears have excellent memories for food sources. If you have a persimmon tree that produces fruit, the same bear may return year after year. They can travel several miles to reach productive trees.

Black bears are omnivores, so persimmons are just one part of their varied diet. But the fruit becomes especially important in autumn. During this season, bears need to consume thousands of calories daily.

The relationship benefits both species. Bears spread persimmon seeds through their waste, helping new trees grow in different areas. This natural process has helped persimmon trees spread across North America for thousands of years.

7. Squirrels

Squirrels love eating persimmons and will go to great lengths to get them. These clever animals eat both fresh persimmons from trees and dried ones that have fallen to the ground.

You might notice squirrels taking bites from persimmons before they’re fully ripe. This behavior often leaves the fruit damaged and rotting on the tree. They prefer softer, sweeter persimmons but won’t pass up unripe ones when food is scarce.

When squirrels eat persimmons:

• During fall when persimmons ripen
• In winter when other food sources are limited
• Throughout the day when fruits are accessible

Persimmons provide squirrels with important nutrients. The fruit contains vitamin C and natural sugars that help sustain their energy. This makes persimmons a valuable food source, especially during colder months.

If you have persimmon trees in your yard, you’ll likely see squirrels visiting regularly. They’re opportunistic feeders who adapt their diet based on what’s available. A single squirrel can quickly strip a tree of its fruit.

These animals can consume large quantities of persimmons in a short time. Some homeowners report losing entire crops of 60 or more persimmons to squirrels in just one day.

Both astringent and non-astringent persimmon varieties attract squirrels. They don’t seem to mind the bitter taste of unripe astringent persimmons that would make humans pucker.

8. Skunks

Skunks love eating persimmons when they can find them. These black and white mammals will search for ripe persimmons that have fallen from trees.

You might spot skunk tracks near persimmon trees during fall and winter months. Skunks prefer soft, sweet persimmons over hard, bitter ones.

When skunks eat persimmons:

• Late fall through winter
• After fruits fall to the ground
• During nighttime foraging trips

Skunks are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. Persimmons provide important sugar and energy for skunks preparing for winter.

The sweet fruit helps skunks build fat stores before cold weather arrives. A single skunk can eat several persimmons in one night if they find a good tree.

Other foods skunks enjoy:

• Insects and grubs
• Small rodents
• Bird eggs
• Berries and nuts
• Garden vegetables

You’ll often find persimmon seeds in skunk droppings. This shows how much skunks rely on these fruits as a food source.

Skunks compete with other animals for persimmons. Raccoons, opossums, and deer also love these sweet fruits. Skunks use their strong sense of smell to locate ripe persimmons on the ground.

If you have persimmon trees in your yard, expect skunk visits during fruit season. The animals rarely cause damage while eating fallen persimmons.

9. Chipmunks

Chipmunks absolutely love eating persimmons when they find them. These small striped rodents belong to the squirrel family and are natural omnivores.

You’ll often see chipmunks stuffing their cheek pouches with persimmon pieces. They carry this fruit back to their burrows for winter storage.

What makes persimmons appealing to chipmunks:

• High sugar content provides quick energy
• Soft texture is easy to chew and store
• Rich in nutrients they need for winter prep
• Available during fall when they’re actively gathering food

Chipmunks have a simple feeding pattern. They spend most of their time finding food, eating it, then storing more away.

When you have persimmon trees in your yard, chipmunks will make regular visits. They’re opportunistic feeders who won’t pass up easy fruit sources.

These tiny creatures will travel considerable distances to reach persimmon trees. They remember good food locations and return repeatedly during fruiting season.

Your persimmon trees might attract chipmunks from late summer through fall. This coincides with their natural hoarding behavior before winter hibernation.

Chipmunks don’t just eat the flesh. They’ll also nibble on persimmon seeds if the fruit is very ripe and soft.

If you’re trying to protect your persimmon harvest, remember that chipmunks are persistent. They’re excellent climbers and can reach fruit on most branches.

10. Rabbits

Rabbits can eat persimmons as an occasional treat. However, you need to be careful about how much and how often you give this fruit to your bunny.

Nutritional Benefits Persimmons provide several vitamins that support rabbit health:

• Vitamin C – boosts immune system
• Vitamin A – supports eye health
• Dietary fiber – aids digestion

Safe Serving Guidelines You should limit persimmons to one small wedge per week. The high sugar content makes moderation essential for your rabbit’s health.

Preparation Steps Before offering persimmon to your rabbit, you must:

1. Remove all seeds completely
2. Peel off the skin/rind
3. Cut into small pieces
4. Ensure the fruit is fully ripe

Important Safety Notes Never let your rabbit eat persimmon seeds, stems, or leaves. These parts can cause digestive problems or choking hazards.

The skin is also difficult for rabbits to digest properly. Only give the soft, fleshy part of the fruit.

Age Considerations Adult rabbits handle persimmons better than young bunnies. Wait until your rabbit is at least 6 months old before introducing any new fruits.

Signs to Watch For Monitor your rabbit after giving persimmon. Stop feeding this fruit if you notice loose stools, reduced appetite, or unusual behavior.

Remember that hay and leafy greens should make up most of your rabbit’s diet. Fruits like persimmons are treats, not main food sources.

11. Monkeys

Monkeys do eat persimmons when these fruits grow in their natural habitats. Japanese macaques are the most well-known persimmon-eating primates. You can find them enjoying ripe persimmons in Japan during fall months.

These smart animals have learned to wait for the fruit to ripen fully. Unripe persimmons taste bitter and dry. Monkeys avoid this unpleasant experience by selecting only soft, sweet fruit.

In Asia, several monkey species encounter persimmons regularly:

• Japanese macaques (snow monkeys)
• Rhesus macaques
• Long-tailed macaques
• Barbary macaques (in some regions)

You might wonder why monkeys don’t always eat persimmons from trees. The answer is simple – timing matters. Persimmons need to become very soft before they taste good.

Monkeys use their hands to test fruit firmness before eating. They squeeze gently to check ripeness. This behavior shows their intelligence and food selection skills.

Nutritional benefits make persimmons valuable for monkeys. The fruit provides natural sugars for energy. It also contains vitamins that support their health during colder months.

Wild monkeys often compete with other animals for persimmons. Birds, raccoons, and deer also want these sweet treats. Monkeys may need to act quickly when they find ripe fruit.

You should know that domestic monkeys can safely eat persimmons too. Pet owners sometimes offer small pieces as healthy treats. Always remove seeds first since they can cause problems.

12. Cows

Cows can eat persimmons, but only when the fruit has fallen naturally from trees. Fresh fallen persimmons are safer because they’re fully ripe and softer for digestion.

You’ll find cows grazing on persimmons during fall months when the fruit drops. The sweet taste attracts them naturally.

Important feeding considerations:

• Only offer persimmons in small amounts
• Remove any seeds before feeding
• Check that fruit isn’t moldy or rotted
• Monitor your cow’s reaction

The success of feeding persimmons depends on your cow’s tolerance and the fruit’s quality. Some cows handle persimmons better than others.

Nutritional benefits include:

• Natural sugars for energy
• Vitamins A and C
• Fiber for digestion

Never feed persimmons with seeds to cows. The seeds can cause blockages in their digestive system.

Fallen persimmons work best as occasional treats rather than regular feed. They shouldn’t replace your cow’s main diet of grass and hay.

Watch for signs of digestive upset after feeding persimmons. Stop giving them if you notice loose stools or reduced appetite.

Wild persimmons that fall naturally are often the best choice. They’re fully ripe and have the right sugar content for safe consumption.

Alternative fruits like apples or pears might be safer options if you’re unsure about persimmons. Always introduce new foods slowly to avoid stomach problems.

13. Horses

Horses can eat persimmons, but only in small amounts. Their digestive systems are very sensitive to new foods.

Why Persimmons Can Be Problematic:

• High sugar content causes stomach upset
• Seeds can be choking hazards
• Skin is hard to digest

If your horse eats too many persimmons, they might get colic. This is painful stomach cramping that can be serious.

Safe Serving Guidelines:

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Diarrhea
• Belly pain
• Rolling or pawing at ground
• Loss of appetite

The seeds contain a compound that releases cyanide when eaten. This makes them toxic in large amounts. Always remove seeds before giving persimmons to horses.

Safer Alternatives:

• Apples (without seeds)
• Carrots
• Sugar beet pulp
• Commercial horse treats

Young horses and those with digestive problems should avoid persimmons completely. Their stomachs are even more sensitive than healthy adult horses.

If your horse accidentally eats many persimmons, call your vet right away. Quick action can prevent serious health problems.

Remember that horses need mostly hay and grass. Treats like persimmons should make up less than 10% of their daily food intake.

14. Wild Turkeys

Wild turkeys love eating persimmons during late summer and early fall. These large birds actively search for ripe persimmons that have fallen to the ground.

You’ll find wild turkeys foraging in wooded areas where persimmon trees grow. They eat the entire fruit, including the sweet flesh and seeds. Their strong digestive system can handle the tough persimmon seeds without problems.

When turkeys eat persimmons:

• Late summer through early fall
• Peak feeding occurs in September and October
• They prefer fully ripe, soft fruits

Wild turkeys change their feeding habits based on what’s available each season. During persimmon season, these fruits become an important food source. The birds will travel between different persimmon trees in their territory.

Turkeys often compete with other animals for persimmons. You might see them feeding alongside deer, raccoons, and other wildlife. They tend to forage quickly in these areas because competition is fierce.

The nutritional benefits persimmons provide turkeys include:

• Natural sugars for energy
• Vitamins and minerals
• Fiber for digestion

Wild turkeys have excellent eyesight that helps them spot ripe persimmons from a distance. They can easily distinguish between ripe orange fruits and unripe green ones. This ability helps them find the sweetest, most nutritious persimmons available.

These birds play an important role in seed dispersal. When turkeys eat persimmons and travel through forests, they spread seeds in their droppings. This natural process helps persimmon trees grow in new locations.

15. Crows

Crows are smart birds that eat many different foods. They will eat persimmons when they find them available. These black birds are opportunistic feeders, which means they eat whatever food they can find easily.

You might see crows eating persimmons in late fall and winter. They often wait for the fruit to get soft and sweet on the tree. Crows have strong beaks that can break through the persimmon skin.

What makes crows good persimmon eaters:

• Sharp beaks for breaking fruit skin
• Good memory for finding fruit trees
• Ability to eat both ripe and slightly unripe fruit
• Smart enough to avoid very bitter persimmons

Crows usually eat persimmons in groups. If one crow finds a good persimmon tree, it will often call other crows to share the food. They can remember where persimmon trees grow and return to them each year.

These birds help spread persimmon seeds. When crows eat the fruit, they fly to different places and drop the seeds in their waste. This helps new persimmon trees grow in other areas.

You will most likely see crows eating persimmons from trees rather than picking them up from the ground. They prefer fresh fruit over rotting fruit. Crows may compete with other animals like raccoons and opossums for the best persimmons.

16. Jays (E.g., Blue Jays)

Blue jays are excellent persimmon eaters that you’ll often spot in your yard during fall. These bright blue birds love the sweet taste of ripe persimmons.

You’ll notice blue jays have a unique eating style. They peck at persimmons in small bites rather than eating the whole fruit at once. This leaves partially eaten persimmons hanging on your trees.

What Makes Blue Jays Great Persimmon Eaters

Blue jays are opportunistic feeders with strong bills. Their powerful beaks help them:

• Break through the persimmon’s skin
• Access the sweet flesh inside
• Handle both soft and firmer fruits

When You’ll See Them Eating Persimmons

Fall and winter are prime times to watch blue jays eat persimmons. During these seasons, other food sources become scarce. Persimmons provide important nutrition when insects and other fruits are harder to find.

Blue jays are smart birds. They remember where persimmon trees are located and return to them regularly during fruiting season.

Other Fruits Blue Jays Enjoy

While persimmons are favorites, blue jays also eat:

Their diverse diet helps them survive when persimmons aren’t available. You might see robins and other birds joining blue jays at your persimmon trees during peak season.

17. Woodpeckers

Several woodpecker species add persimmons to their diet when the fruit ripens in fall. These birds normally focus on insects and beetles that live in tree bark.

Golden-fronted Woodpeckers and Red-headed Woodpeckers are two species you’ll often see pecking at persimmon fruits. They use their strong beaks to break through the soft skin.

Woodpeckers eat persimmons mainly during winter months. This happens when their usual insect food becomes harder to find in cold weather.

Common Woodpecker Species That Eat Persimmons

You might notice woodpeckers visiting your persimmon trees in late fall and early winter. They often store extra fruit pieces in tree cracks for later meals.

The sweet fruit gives woodpeckers quick energy and important vitamins during harsh winter months. This helps them survive when insects become scarce.

Woodpeckers don’t usually damage persimmon trees when feeding. They take what they need and move on to other food sources throughout their territory.

18. Mockingbirds

Northern mockingbirds are regular persimmon eaters in the wild. These birds have a varied diet that includes many different fruits and insects.

What makes mockingbirds special eaters:

• They adapt their diet based on what’s available
• They eat both insects and fruits throughout the year
• They’re attracted to sweet, ripe persimmons

You’ll often see mockingbirds visiting persimmon trees when the fruit is fully ripe. They prefer soft persimmons that are easy to eat and digest.

Feeding behavior with persimmons:

• Visit trees multiple times during the day
• Often chase away other birds from their feeding spots
• Can remember where the best persimmon trees are located

If you have persimmon trees in your yard, mockingbirds might become regular visitors. They’re territorial birds, so you may see the same mockingbird returning to your trees repeatedly.

Nutritional benefits for mockingbirds:

• Vitamins A and C support their immune system
• Natural sugars provide quick energy
• Antioxidants help keep them healthy

Mockingbirds typically eat persimmons during fall and early winter when the fruits are ripe. This timing helps them build energy reserves before colder weather arrives.

These birds are smart feeders. They can tell the difference between ripe and unripe persimmons, usually avoiding the bitter, unripe ones.

19. Cardinals

Cardinals are beautiful red birds that enjoy eating persimmons when they find them. These backyard favorites will sample ripe persimmon pieces alongside their usual diet of seeds and insects.

You’ll often see cardinals eating persimmons during fall and winter months. They prefer the fruit when it’s fully ripe and soft, making it easier to peck and digest.

What Cardinals Normally Eat

Cardinals have a diverse diet that includes:

• Seeds (especially sunflower seeds)
• Insects like grasshoppers and beetles
• Fruits and berries
• Cracked corn

Persimmons fit naturally into their fruit-eating habits. Wild cardinals will travel to persimmon trees when the fruit is ready.

Feeding Cardinals Persimmons

If you want to offer persimmons to cardinals in your yard, cut them into small pieces. Cardinals can’t handle whole persimmons due to their size.

Make sure the persimmons are completely ripe. Unripe persimmons taste bitter and won’t appeal to these birds.

Place persimmon pieces on platform feeders or scatter them on the ground. Cardinals prefer to forage at ground level or in low bushes.

The fruit provides cardinals with important vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin C. These nutrients help keep their bright red feathers healthy and support their immune system during colder months.

20. Thrushes

Thrushes are medium-sized birds that love eating persimmons when the fruit ripens in fall. You can often spot these birds visiting persimmon trees during their migration season.

Dusky thrushes are particularly fond of persimmons. They will visit leafless persimmon trees along roadsides to feed on the sweet orange fruit that hangs from bare branches.

These birds have a varied diet throughout the year. Common thrush foods include:

• Berries and fruits (including persimmons)
• Insects and worms
• Seeds
• Small invertebrates

You’ll notice that thrushes are opportunistic feeders. They adapt their eating habits based on what’s available in their habitat and the current season.

During autumn, persimmons become a key food source. The fruit provides thrushes with important sugars and nutrients they need for migration. This high-energy food helps fuel their long journeys south.

Different thrush species may prefer persimmons at various ripeness stages. Some eat the fruit when it’s still firm, while others wait for it to become very soft and sweet.

Migration timing often matches persimmon season perfectly. As the fruit reaches peak ripeness in late fall, many thrush species are passing through areas where persimmon trees grow.

The relationship benefits both species. Thrushes get nutritious food, while persimmon trees get their seeds spread to new locations through the birds’ droppings.

You can attract thrushes to your yard by planting native persimmon trees and providing water sources nearby.

21. Tortoises (Certain Species Will Eat Fallen Persimmons)

If you have persimmon trees near areas where tortoises live, you might see these reptiles munching on fallen fruit. Not all tortoise species eat persimmons, but some will gladly consume them as part of their natural diet.

Fruit-eating tortoise species are most likely to enjoy persimmons. These include some Mediterranean and tropical species that naturally consume fruits in the wild.

Key feeding guidelines for tortoises and persimmons:

You should always peel persimmons before offering them to tortoises. The skin can be tough to digest and may cause problems.

Ripe persimmons work best because they’re soft and easier for tortoises to eat. Hard, unripe persimmons can be difficult for them to chew and digest properly.

Persimmons contain vitamin C and potassium, which benefit tortoise health. However, they’re also high in natural sugars.

Feed persimmons as treats rather than regular food. Too much fruit can upset a tortoise’s digestive system and provide excess sugar.

Some individual tortoises may have allergic reactions to persimmons. Watch for any unusual behavior or digestive issues after feeding.

Wild tortoises typically encounter fallen persimmons during autumn when the fruits naturally drop from trees. They’ll often eat them along with their usual diet of grasses and other vegetation.

22. Insects

Small insects love persimmons just as much as larger animals do. These tiny creatures are drawn to the sweet sugar content found in ripe persimmon fruit.

Bees visit persimmon trees mainly for pollination purposes. They collect nectar from the flowers and help the trees produce fruit. When persimmons ripen, bees may also feed on the sugary juices.

Wasps are opportunistic feeders that enjoy ripe fruit. They seek out soft, sweet persimmons to drink the juice. Wasps prefer very ripe or slightly overripe fruit because it’s easier to access.

Adult wasps don’t just eat for themselves. They often bring food back to feed their young in the nest. The sweet persimmon juice provides energy for adult wasps.

Beetles are among the most diverse fruit-eating insects. Many beetle species feed on decaying organic matter, including rotting persimmons. They have strong jaws that help them break through fruit skin.

You’ll often find these insects on persimmon trees during late summer and fall. They play an important role in the ecosystem by helping with pollination and breaking down fallen fruit.