What eats conkers?

Conkers, the seeds of the horse chestnut tree, are actually quite hard to eat. They are poisonous to most animals, including humans, when raw. Here's why very few things eat conkers:

* Toxicity: Conkers contain a toxin called aesculin, which can cause digestive upset, vomiting, and even kidney failure in animals.

* Toughness: The hard outer shell of the conker makes it difficult for many creatures to crack open.

* Taste: The flesh inside the conker is bitter and unpleasant to most animals.

However, there are a few exceptions:

* Squirrels: Squirrels have strong teeth and can crack open conkers, but they often only eat the soft, inner part after removing the outer shell.

* Deer: Deer may occasionally eat conkers, but they are not a preferred food source.

* Insects: Some insect larvae, such as the horse chestnut leaf miner, can eat the conkers, but they are not significant enough to be a major threat to the conkers.

So, while conkers are technically edible for some animals, the risks associated with their toxicity and their toughness make them an unlikely food source for most creatures.