Coprophagous

Pronunciation
/koh-PROFF-uh-gus/
Category
Behavior

Definition

Feeding on or ; describes organisms that consume excrement as a primary or significant food source. In , is most common among insects specializing on herbivore dung, where partially digested plant material provides concentrated nutrients and microbial . The habit drives important functions including nutrient cycling, soil aeration, and suppression.

Etymology

From Greek kopros (, ) + phagein (to eat)

Example

() are classic coprophagous insects, with partitioned into tunnelers, rollers, and dwellers based on how they locate, process, and provision for their larvae.

Synonyms

  • Coprophagic

Related Terms

Usage Notes

Distinguish from saprophagous (feeding on dead organic matter generally) and necrophagous (feeding on carrion). reserve coprophagous for consumption specifically; broader usage for any waste-feeding is discouraged. The noun form is ; coprophagia often connotes pathological in non-specialist contexts.