They are heterotrophic organisms, since they are characterized because their diet is based on debris (small particles resulting from the decomposition of solid waste), this means that they feed on organic matter that results from the decomposition of living organisms, such as plants. animals, among others. These animals are an important part of the life cycle of different ecosystems, since their contributions are vital with regard to the decomposition of matter and the reuse of the nutrients left behind. Detritivores can be both invertebrates and vertebrates.
A fundamental part which includes detritivores are different species of fungi and bacteria, although many have no capacity to process organic matter particles, if they have the capacity to ingest substances to a level molecular. Other species may include millipedes, earthworms, scavengers, mealybugs, insects such as the fiddler crab, and some kinds of beetles, among others. There is another great variety of species of decomposing organisms which include fungi and plants, but which are not considered detritivores.This is because their diet, despite being based on debris, is through external and extracellular digestion, quite the opposite of detritivores, which must ingest detritus and then digest it internally.
On the other hand, animals considered as scavengers do not fall into this classification, despite the fact that they feed on decomposed organic matter, however this matter is in its early stages of decomposition, in addition to most specialists when it comes to Scavengers refer to large species that feed on large portions of organic material.
In nature, they play a fundamental role, since apart from contributing to the decomposition process, they also contribute to the so-called biogeochemical cycle, that is, to the exchange of elements between humans and the environment. Among the main sources of food for the deterioration are the corpses of dead animals, dead plant organisms, among others. Also the matter excreted by these is of great importance, since it contributes to the fertilization of the soil.
