Significant for the ecosystem, detritivores are the living components widely found everywhere. At its core, detritivores are ranked as the last part of the food web.

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And of course, they aren’t to be confused with decomposers. That is because detritivores and decomposers play different roles in the ecosystem. And both of these have varying dietary behavior, which sets them apart from each other.

Some of the most commonly found detritivores are snails, slugs, beetles, millipedes, and other worms. Read on to learn about “what do detritivores eat?”

Insects, Animals, and Fish

Detritivores are the animals that survive on the earth by feeding on animal and plant matter. But they don’t eat living organisms. Instead, they feed on the dead or decaying matter of the animals and plants as well. Doing so, they provide the soil with rich nutrients like carbon, calcium, nitrogen, and so on.

These critters are essential for removing debris or waste. That said, detritivores eat dead animals, feces, and detritus. In addition to these, detritivores eat decomposers and biotic factors as well. Many species of detritivores are fungivores, consuming decomposers like fungi. Not to mention, detritivores don’t ingest or swallow the decaying matter. They usually feed on by obtaining the nutrients found in the animal matter in the soil.

Fruit, Vegetables, and Plants

Detritivores feed on nutrients from organic waste found in their environment. That also includes plant and vegetation matter. Hence, detritivores eat dead plant waste or matter given their detritus-feeding habits. Besides, various detritivores feed on plant matter that is easily found beneath the soil. In other habitats, detritivores may consume marine snow as a suspended matter.

What detritivores don’t eat?

Detritivores don’t eat fruits, insects, or other living organisms because they are detritus-feeders. The main staple of the detritivores is specifically feeding on decaying matter and waste.