detritivore

plural detritivores

1. biologyAn organism that feeds on detritus.

   Others are detritivores (i.e. they feed off organic detritus), such as some pteropods.

   2014, Louis Legendre, “Pelagic Marine Ecosystems and Biogeochemical Cycles”, in André Monaco, Patrick Prouzet, editors, Ecosystem Sustainability and Global Change (Seas and Oceans), London: ISTE Ltd.; Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley & Sons, →ISBN, page 46

   3 more examples

   Termites are herbivores and detritivores variously involved in the comminution and decomposition of vegetable matter, through most of the warm temperate and tropical zones.

   1978, J. P. La Fage, W. L. Nutting, “Nutrient Dynamics of Termites”, in M. V. Brian, editor, Production Ecology of Ants and Termites (International Biological Programme; 13), Cambridge; New York, N.Y.: Cambridge University Press, →ISBN, page 165

   If one has sound data for microbial biomass dynamics in decaying litter, along with identities of the decomposer fungi, then one can make useful projections and hypotheses regarding nutrient flow, environmental controls on decay rates, and potential detritivore production founded upon basic knowledge of the properties of fungal species and their interactions with other microbes and animals[…].

   1992, Steven Y. Newell, “Estimating Fungal Biomass and Productivity in Decomposing Litter”, in George C. Carroll, Donald T. Wicklow, editors, The Fungal Community: Its Organization and Role in the Ecosystem (Mycology; 9), 2nd edition, New York, N.Y.: Marcel Dekker, →ISBN, page 521

   Fish are represented at several trophic levels in aquatic systems, from detritivore and herbivore to carnivore.

   1992, S. J. Ormerod, “Effects on Aquatic Ecosystems”, in M[iroslav] Radojević, R[oy] M. Harrison, editors, Atmospheric Acidity: Sources, Consequences and Abatement (Environmental Management Series), Barking, Essex: Elsevier Science, →ISBN, page 382

   Synonyms: detritophage, detrivore, saprophage