30 Insects that Are Decomposers (A to Z List + Pictures)

Examples of insects that are decomposers include millipedes, ants, worms, snails, and slugs.

Insects are an important part of the ecosystem, and some of them are decomposers. Insects that are decomposers break down dead plant and animal matter, turning it into organic matter that can be used by plants to grow.

There are many types of insects that act as decomposers, including beetles, flies, and wasps. Each type of decomposer plays an important role in the health of the ecosystem.

Examples of Insects that Are Decomposers

1. American Giant Millipede

American giant millipede is one type of decomposer beetle. It is found in North America, and it feeds on dead leaves, fruit, and other plant matter.

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2. Argentine Ant

The Argentine ant is a species of ant that is native to South America. Argentine ants are considered to be one of the most invasive species of ant in the world. They have been introduced to many other parts of the world, including the United States, where they are a major nuisance pest.

Argentine ants are very efficient at breaking down organic matter, and they are often used in pest control to help control other ant species.

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3. Asian Jumping Worm

The Asian jumping worm is a type of earthworm that is originally from East Asia. These worms are now found in many parts of the United States, where they are considered an invasive species. Asian jumping worms can grow to be up to 10 inches long and they have a voracious appetite for organic matter.

These worms consume large amounts of leaves, mulch, and other organic matter. As they consume this matter, they break it down into smaller pieces that can be used by plants to grow

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4. Atlas Moth

The atlas moth is a large moth that is found in the tropics. The atlas moth is a very important decomposer because it breaks down dead leaves and other plant matter.

5. Black Carpenter Ant

The black carpenter ant is a type of insect that helps to decompose wood. These ants live in colonies and build their nests in trees or logs. The black carpenter ant is important to the ecosystem because it helps to break down dead wood, which provides nutrients for plants.

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6. Black Garden Ant

The black garden ant is a type of beetle that feeds on dead plants and animals. Black garden ants help to decompose matter, making it available for other organisms to use.

7. Carpet Moth

The carpet moth is a type of beetle that feeds on carpets and clothing. Carpet moths are particularly fond of wool, and they can cause extensive damage to carpets and other woven materials.

The carpet moth is one of the most common types of insects that act as a decomposer. Carpet moths are found in nearly every home and office, and they are responsible for a large amount of the damage to carpets and clothing.

8. Carrion Beetle

The carrion beetle is a type of beetle that feeds on dead animals. These beetles are important decomposers because they help to clean up the environment by eating dead animals.

9. Cockroaches

These insects are often considered to be pests, but they are actually one of the best decomposers. Cockroaches eat just about anything, including dead animals and plants. This makes them very efficient at breaking down organic matter.

10. Common Clothes Moth

The common clothes moth is a small, brownish-gray moth that is often found in homes. Clothes moths are attracted to fabrics made of natural materials such as wool, fur, and feathers. They feed on these materials, causing damage to clothing and other items made from them.

11. Common Earthworm

The common earthworm is a type of decomposer that feeds on dead leaves, grass, and other organic matter. Earthworms help to break down this matter and turn it into rich soil.

12. Common Rough Woodlouse

The common rough woodlouse is a type of isopod that is found in Europe and North America. Rough woodlice are black or dark brown in color and have 14 legs. They are approximately 1 cm in length. Rough woodlice eat decaying plant matter, such as leaves and twigs.

13. Desert Millipede

One type of decomposer is the desert millipede. The desert millipede is a nocturnal creature that feeds on dead plants and animals. This type of millipede can live in very hot climates and can survive for long periods without food or water.

14. Domestic Silk Moth

The domestic silk moth is a species of moth that is commonly used in the production of silk. The moth is native to Asia, and it has been introduced to many other parts of the world. The moth feeds on the leaves of mulberry trees, and it produces a cocoon that can be used to make silk thread.

15. Dung Beetles

Dung beetles are a type of beetle that lives in animal droppings. These beetles help to clean up the environment by eating the dung and breaking it down into smaller pieces.

16. Flies

Flies are attracted to decaying matter, and they help to speed up the decomposition process. They lay their eggs in rotting material, and when the larvae hatch, they eat their way through the organic matter.

As they eat, they break down the complex molecules into simpler ones. This makes it easier for other organisms to digest the organic matter.

17. Giant Gippsland Earthworm

This earthworm is found in the Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia. It can grow up to 3 meters long. The Giant Gippsland Earthworm is an important decomposer in the ecosystem.

18. Giant Palouse Earthworm

The Giant Palouse Earthworm is a species of earthworm that is native to the Palouse region of the northwestern United States. These earthworms can grow up to 3 feet in length and are an important part of the ecosystem. They help to decompose organic matter, which helps to fertilize the soil.

19. Greenhouse Millipede

The Greenhouse Millipede is a common type of millipede that is often found in greenhouses. These millipedes thrive in moist environments and help to break down organic matter.

Greenhouse millipedes are beneficial because they help to aerate the soil and increase drainage. They also help to control pests by eating their larvae.

20. Luna Moth

The Luna moth is a type of moth that is found in North America. The Luna moth is a nocturnal creature, meaning it is active at night. The Luna moth is attracted to light, so they are often seen near porch lights or streetlights.

21. Maggots

Maggots are the larvae of flies, and they are one of the most important types of decomposers. Maggots feed on decaying organic matter, and they help to break it down into smaller pieces. This process helps to release nutrients back into the soil so that plants can use them to grow.

22. Mites

Mites are tiny 8-legged creatures that live in the soil. They feed on dead leaves, grass, and other organic matter. Mites help to break down these materials so that they can be used by plants to grow.

23. Oregon Giant Earthworm

The Oregon giant earthworm is a type of decomposer that lives in the soils of the Willamette Valley. These earthworms are important because they help to aerate the soil and break down organic matter.

24. Peppered Moth

The peppered moth is a common type of moth found in North America. The moth gets its name from the black and white patterns on its wings. The peppered moth is an important type of decomposer because it feeds on dead leaves and other plant matter.

25. Red Harvester Ant

The red harvester ant is a type of insect that is a decomposer. This ant is found in North America and South America. The red harvester ant feeds on dead plants and animals, turning them into organic matter.

26. Red Imported Fire Ant

One type of beetle that is a decomposer is the red imported fire ant. These ants are native to South America, but they have been introduced to many other parts of the world, including the United States.

The red imported fire ant is an important decomposer because it feeds on dead insects and other small animals.

27. Red-Legged Millipede

The red-legged millipede is a common type of millipede that can be found in forests and gardens. These millipedes help to decompose leaves, dead plants, and other organic matter.

28. Roly-Poly

Roly-polys are small, round insects that live in the soil. They eat dead plants and animals, as well as their own feces. This helps to break down matter and turn it into nutrients that can be used by plants.

29. Termites

Termites are one of the most important groups of insects that act as decomposers. They play a vital role in breaking down dead wood, leaves, and other plant matter. Without termites, these materials would build up and eventually choke out other life forms.

30. Yellow-Spotted Millipede

The yellow-spotted millipede is a common type of millipede that is found in many parts of the world. These millipedes are important decomposers, breaking down dead leaves and other plant matter. Millipedes help to recycle nutrients back into the soil, which helps plants to grow.

Conclusion

There are many different types of decomposers, and each one plays an important role in breaking down organic matter. Decomposers are essential to the ecosystem because they help to recycle nutrients that would otherwise be lost. Without decomposers, the environment would quickly become overloaded with organic matter.

Garreth

Hi, I’m Garreth. Living in South Africa I’ve had the pleasure of seeing most of these animals up close and personal. When I was younger I always wanted to be a game ranger but unfortunately, life happens and now at least I get to write about them and tell you my experiences.