Detritivore
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Detritivores (also known as saprophages, detrivores or detritus feeders) are organisms that recycle detritus (decomposing organic material), returning it into the food chain.
Examples
Earthworms are a well-known example of detritus feeders, eating rotting plant leaves and other debris. Some detritus feeders, such as dung beetles, eat feces, which often contains a considerable nutrient load. The detritus may already have been partially or fully decomposed by decomposers.Groups of detritivorous animals include:
- Diplopoda (millipedes)
- Isopoda (woodlice)
- Scarabaeidae (dung beetles)
- Scathophagidae (dung flies)
- Silphidae (burying beetles)
See also
External links
- [Detritivores] in aquaria
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