Detritivores (also known as saprophages, detrivores or detritus feeders) are organisms that recycle detritus (decomposing organic material), returning it into the food chain.

Examples

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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

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• Scavenger
• Decomposer
• Omnivore
• Carnivore
• Herbivore

External links

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• Detritivores in aquaria

Eating behaviors

Détritivore | Grotæta | Детритофаги