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

See Also

• Scavenger
• Decomposer

External links

• Detritivores (http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-03/rs/) in aquaria