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'Detritivores' (also known as 'saprophages', 'detrivores' or 'detritus feeders') are animals that consume detritus (decomposing organic material), and in doing so contribute to decomposition and the recycling of nutrients.
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.
Other groups of detritivorous animals include millipedes, woodlice, dung beetles, dung flies and burying beetles.

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See also

★ scavenger

★ decomposer

★ omnivore

★ carnivore

★ herbivore

External links

★ Detritivores in aquaria